1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2008 Pontiac Vibe
To start off, 2008 Pontiac Vibe is newer by 27 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 19 more horse power than 2008 Pontiac Vibe. (126 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Pontiac Vibe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 190 kg more than 2008 Pontiac Vibe. 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, 2008 Pontiac Vibe, 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 159 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Pontiac Vibe. (165 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Pontiac Vibe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2008 Pontiac Vibe | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | Vibe |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1352 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 49 L |
