2009 Hyundai Terracan vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Terracan 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Terracan (191 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Terracan should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Terracan weights approximately 559 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.
Because 2009 Hyundai Terracan is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Terracan 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hyundai Terracan. (300 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Hyundai Terracan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Terracan | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Hyundai | Pontiac |
| Model | Terracan | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2155 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 76 L |
