2009 Pontiac G8 vs. 1976 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Pontiac G8 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Pontiac G8 (414 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. (285 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac G8 should accelerate faster than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 267 kg more than 2009 Pontiac G8.
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 Pontiac G8 (563 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Pontiac G8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Pontiac G8 | 1976 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | G8 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6200 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 563 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 76 L |
