1959 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Cadillac Eldorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Cadillac Eldorado would be higher. At 6,382 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Cadillac Eldorado (345 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Cadillac Eldorado should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 753 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1959 Cadillac Eldorado (590 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1959 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 1959 Cadillac Eldorado has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1959 Cadillac Eldorado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Cadillac Eldorado | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | Eldorado | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6382 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 590 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98.4 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2295 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2050 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 79 L |
