1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2000 Volvo S60
To start off, 2000 Volvo S60 is newer by 19 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, 2000 Volvo S60 (197 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volvo S60 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 75 kg more than 2000 Volvo S60.
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, 2000 Volvo S60, 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 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volvo S60. (285 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volvo S60. 2000 Volvo S60 has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Volvo S60 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2000 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Firebird | S60 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1467 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 70 L |
