2009 Porsche 911 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Porsche 911 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, 2009 Porsche 911 (321 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (285 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 66 kg more than 2009 Porsche 911.
Because 2009 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 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 (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Porsche 911. (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Porsche 911.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Porsche 911 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Porsche | Pontiac |
| Model | 911 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3596 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1320 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 76 L |
