2011 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2011 Nissan Pathfinder 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 5,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Pathfinder (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 687 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 2011 Nissan Pathfinder 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, 2011 Nissan Pathfinder 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, 2011 Nissan Pathfinder (525 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Nissan Pathfinder | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Pathfinder | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5600 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 525 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2283 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4884 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1849 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1847 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 76 L |
