1980 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (430 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 25 kg more than 1980 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, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (489 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | |
| Make | Pontiac | Aston Martin |
| Model | Firebird | V8 Vantage |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 489 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4382 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1867 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2601 mm |
