1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2010 Dodge Caliber
To start off, 2010 Dodge Caliber is newer by 29 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2010 Dodge Caliber. (158 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2010 Dodge Caliber. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 282 kg more than 2010 Dodge Caliber. 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, 2010 Dodge Caliber, 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Dodge Caliber. (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Dodge Caliber. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2010 Dodge Caliber has manual transmission. 2010 Dodge Caliber will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2010 Dodge Caliber | |
| Make | Pontiac | Dodge |
| Model | Firebird | Caliber |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1616 kg | 1334 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4415 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1534 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2634 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 51 L |
