1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
To start off, 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 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 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (420 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 168 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (469 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | |
| Make | Pontiac | Aston Martin |
| Model | Firebird | V8 Vantage |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 469 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4382 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1867 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2604 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 80 L |
