1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1984 Volvo 360
To start off, 1984 Volvo 360 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1984 Volvo 360. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1984 Volvo 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 489 kg more than 1984 Volvo 360. 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volvo 360. (160 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volvo 360. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1984 Volvo 360 has manual transmission. 1984 Volvo 360 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 | 1984 Volvo 360 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Firebird | 360 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 149 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 57 L |
