1980 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (135 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 328 kg more than 1985 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 Chevrolet Caprice (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1980 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1985 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1985 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Chevrolet Caprice | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Caprice | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
