1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2006 Volvo S60
To start off, 2006 Volvo S60 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo S60 (209 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S60 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo S60 weights approximately 83 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 Volvo S60 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 Volvo S60 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volvo S60. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volvo S60.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2006 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Firebird | S60 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2524 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 209 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 68 L |
