2008 Cadillac Escalade vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Cadillac Escalade is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,199 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac Escalade (404 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac Escalade should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac Escalade weights approximately 50 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Cadillac Escalade is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac Escalade will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Cadillac Escalade (565 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac Escalade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Cadillac Escalade | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | Escalade | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6199 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 404 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 565 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.3 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5670 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1920 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2750 mm |
