1980 Plymouth Volare vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Plymouth Volare. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Plymouth Volare would be higher. At 5,747 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1980 Plymouth Volare. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1980 Plymouth Volare. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 205 kg more than 1980 Plymouth Volare. 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (454 Nm) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Plymouth Volare. (231 Nm). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Plymouth Volare.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Plymouth Volare | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Plymouth | Pontiac |
| Model | Volare | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 5747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2810 mm |
