2008 Porsche 911 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 (350 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 49 kg more than 2008 Porsche 911.
Because 2008 Porsche 911 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Porsche 911 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Porsche 911. (400 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Porsche 911.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Porsche 911 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Porsche | Pontiac |
| Model | 911 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3824 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.8:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 288 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2750 mm |
