1978 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Cadillac Eldorado would be higher. At 6,964 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Cadillac Eldorado (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Cadillac Eldorado should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 625 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.
Because 1981 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Cadillac Eldorado, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Cadillac Eldorado (433 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1978 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Cadillac Eldorado | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | Eldorado | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6964 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 433 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 103.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5700 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2750 mm |
