1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 25 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, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder (172 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 630 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 2006 Nissan Pathfinder is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder (403 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2006 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Pontiac | Nissan |
| Model | Firebird | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 403 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 149 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 2235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 80 L |
