1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1995 Volvo 850
To start off, 1995 Volvo 850 is newer by 14 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1995 Volvo 850. (124 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1995 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 152 kg more than 1995 Volvo 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Volvo 850, 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 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Volvo 850. (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Volvo 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1995 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Firebird | 850 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2670 mm |
