2009 Dodge Charger vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Dodge Charger 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Charger (250 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Charger weights approximately 96 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Dodge Charger (339 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Charger | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Charger | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3518 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
