1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 GMC Sierra
To start off, 2011 GMC Sierra 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 5,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 GMC Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 GMC Sierra (353 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 GMC Sierra should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 GMC Sierra weights approximately 1048 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 2011 GMC Sierra 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, 2011 GMC Sierra 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, 2011 GMC Sierra (506 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 GMC Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 GMC Sierra | |
| Make | Pontiac | GMC |
| Model | Firebird | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 353 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 506 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1616 kg | 2664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 3380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 129 L |
