2011 Nissan Murano vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2011 Nissan Murano 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Murano (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Murano should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Murano weights approximately 225 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.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Murano, 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, 2011 Nissan Murano (325 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Murano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Nissan Murano | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Murano | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1821 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4823 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1727 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2824 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 76 L |
