2009 Toyota Tacoma vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. (236 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 88 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 2009 Toyota Tacoma 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 Toyota Tacoma 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 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Tacoma.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Tacoma | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Toyota | Pontiac |
| Model | Tacoma | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3956 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 361 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1684 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3250 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 76 L |
