1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2008 Volvo S60
To start off, 2008 Volvo S60 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 17 more horse power than 2008 Volvo S60. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Volvo S60. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S60 weights approximately 27 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
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 Volvo S60, 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 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volvo S60. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volvo S60.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2008 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Firebird | S60 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| 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 | 1569 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 70 L |
