2008 Nissan 350Z vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 56 kg more than 2008 Nissan 350Z.
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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan 350Z. (364 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan 350Z.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Nissan 350Z | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
Model | 350Z | Firebird |
Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3498 cc | 5700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 306 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 364 Nm | 366 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 76 L |