2011 Chevrolet Silverado vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Silverado is newer by 33 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Silverado (315 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Chevrolet Silverado weights approximately 726 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.
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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. (454 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Chevrolet Silverado.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Chevrolet Silverado | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Silverado | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5300 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Flex Fuel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2311 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5847 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2032 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1875 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3645 mm | 2750 mm |
