1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2009 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2009 Subaru Outback is newer by 28 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, 2009 Subaru Outback (242 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 107 kg more than 2009 Subaru Outback.
Because 2009 Subaru Outback 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, 2009 Subaru Outback 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 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Subaru Outback. (215 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Subaru Outback. 2009 Subaru Outback has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Subaru Outback will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2009 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | Pontiac | Subaru |
| Model | Firebird | Outback |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 89.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 64 L |
