1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2005 Pontiac Montana
To start off, 2005 Pontiac Montana is newer by 24 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, 2005 Pontiac Montana (185 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Pontiac Montana should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Pontiac Montana weights approximately 246 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 2005 Pontiac Montana, 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) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Pontiac Montana. (285 Nm). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Pontiac Montana. 2005 Pontiac Montana 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. 2005 Pontiac Montana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2005 Pontiac Montana | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | Montana |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 3392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1788 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 95 L |
