1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Acura RDX
To start off, 2011 Acura RDX is newer by 30 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, 2011 Acura RDX (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Acura RDX should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Acura RDX weights approximately 156 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 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, 2011 Acura RDX, 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, 2011 Acura RDX (352 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Acura RDX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 2011 Acura RDX 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. 2011 Acura RDX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Acura RDX | |
| Make | Pontiac | Acura |
| Model | Firebird | RDX |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1698 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1869 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1654 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 68 L |
