my son prefers the 78, i prefer the 79. looks more finished and refined to me. may also be because there was a 79 across the street from me as a kid that i fell in love with.... but i sure wouldn't kick a 78 out of my driveway thats for sure. if the 78 where i bought the 79 at was in better shape i probably would have bought that since i've never had a 78....