2009 Cadillac STS-V vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Cadillac STS-V 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac STS-V (469 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 311 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac STS-V should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2009 Cadillac STS-V (595 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac STS-V will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac STS-V | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | STS-V | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4376 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 469 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 595 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 76 L |
