1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2006 Volvo XC70
To start off, 2006 Volvo XC70 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 Volvo XC70 (208 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo XC70 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo XC70 weights approximately 73 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 XC70 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 XC70 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 Volvo XC70 (321 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo XC70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2006 Volvo XC70 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Firebird | XC70 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2524 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1678 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 68 L |
