1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2002 Volvo V70
To start off, 2002 Volvo V70 is newer by 21 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 7 more horse power than 2002 Volvo V70. (138 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2002 Volvo V70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 62 kg more than 2002 Volvo V70. 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, 2002 Volvo V70, 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 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volvo V70. (220 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volvo V70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2002 Volvo V70 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Firebird | V70 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 70 L |
