2008 Chevrolet Express vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Express is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Express (279 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 364 kg more than 2008 Chevrolet Express.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet Express. (399 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet Express.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Express | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Express | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 279 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 399 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5700 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2080 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2750 mm |
