1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Cadillac Escalade
To start off, 2012 Cadillac Escalade is newer by 31 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac Escalade (403 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 293 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac Escalade should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac Escalade weights approximately 884 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, 2012 Cadillac Escalade (565 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac Escalade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Cadillac Escalade | |
Make | Pontiac | Cadillac |
Model | Firebird | Escalade |
Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3790 cc | 6200 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 110 HP | 403 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 256 Nm | 565 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 2489 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5144 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2007 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1928 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2946 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 98 L |