2009 Buick Lucerne vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Buick Lucerne is newer by 31 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, 2009 Buick Lucerne (292 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2009 Buick Lucerne, 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 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Buick Lucerne. (391 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Buick Lucerne.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Buick Lucerne | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Buick | Pontiac |
Model | Lucerne | Firebird |
Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4565 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 292 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 391 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2750 mm |