2009 Chrysler 300 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Chrysler 300 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2009 Chrysler 300. (215 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Chrysler 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chrysler 300 weights approximately 363 kg more 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 Chrysler 300 (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Chrysler 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chrysler 300 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chrysler | Pontiac |
| Model | 300 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1959 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 76 L |
