2009 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 5,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe (327 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 324 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe.
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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe. (367 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Tahoe | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5999 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 327 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 367 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |
