2009 Dodge Charger vs. 1979 Pontiac Trans Am
To start off, 2009 Dodge Charger is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Trans Am would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Charger (250 HP) has 30 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. (220 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am.
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 Trans Am (434 Nm) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Charger. (339 Nm). This means 1979 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Charger. 2009 Dodge Charger has automatic transmission and 1979 Pontiac Trans Am has manual transmission. 1979 Pontiac Trans Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Charger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Charger | 1979 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Charger | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3518 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 220 HP |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2750 mm |
