1981 Cadillac Seville vs. 1988 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Cadillac Seville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Cadillac Seville would be higher. At 4,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Cadillac Seville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Firebird (133 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1981 Cadillac Seville. (123 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1981 Cadillac Seville.
Because 1988 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 1988 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Cadillac Seville, 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, 1981 Cadillac Seville (284 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Firebird. (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Cadillac Seville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Cadillac Seville | 1988 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | Seville | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2580 mm |
