1980 Buick Electra vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,032 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 197 kg more than 1996 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, 1980 Buick Electra (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. 1980 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1996 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Electra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2570 mm |
