1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2010 Volvo S80
To start off, 2010 Volvo S80 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volvo S80 (281 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volvo S80 weights approximately 233 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 2010 Volvo S80 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Volvo S80 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, 2010 Volvo S80 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2010 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2010 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Firebird | S80 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 281 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1838 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4851 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1862 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1494 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2835 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 70 L |
