2009 Toyota Yaris vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Toyota Yaris is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Yaris. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Yaris. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 221 kg more than 2009 Toyota Yaris. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Yaris, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Yaris. (121 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Yaris.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Yaris | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Toyota | Pontiac |
| Model | Yaris | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 76 L |
