2003 Nissan 350Z vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Nissan 350Z is newer by 25 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 20 more horse power than 2003 Nissan 350Z. (265 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2003 Nissan 350Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 106 kg more than 2003 Nissan 350Z. 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 (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan 350Z. (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan 350Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Nissan 350Z | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | 350Z | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 76 L |
