1954 Buick 40 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1954 Buick 40. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1954 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Buick 40 weights approximately 59 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Buick 40. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Buick 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Buick 40 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | 40 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4328 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1616 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2750 mm |
