1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1980 Volvo 66
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 66. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 66 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 66. (56 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 66.
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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 365 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 66. (94 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 66. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1980 Volvo 66 has manual transmission. 1980 Volvo 66 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1980 Volvo 66 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Firebird | 66 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1287 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1550 mm |
