2008 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. (149 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 324 kg more than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. (206 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
Model | Cobalt | Firebird |
Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2201 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 149 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 206 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1585 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2750 mm |