2009 Chevrolet Silverado vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is newer by 30 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, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado (295 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 319 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Silverado.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 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, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Silverado. (414 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Silverado.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Silverado | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Silverado | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 414 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5850 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3650 mm | 2750 mm |
