2008 Volvo XC70 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Volvo XC70 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo XC70 (185 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo XC70 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo XC70 weights approximately 36 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 Volvo XC70 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 Volvo XC70 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 Volvo XC70 (542 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo XC70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volvo XC70 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Volvo | Pontiac |
| Model | XC70 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2401 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.2 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
