1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Dodge Durango
To start off, 2012 Dodge Durango 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Durango (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Durango should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Durango weights approximately 683 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 Dodge Durango (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Durango will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 2012 Dodge Durango 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. 2012 Dodge Durango will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Dodge Durango | |
| Make | Pontiac | Dodge |
| Model | Firebird | Durango |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 2225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5075 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1925 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1801 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 3043 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 93 L |
