1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 GMC Canyon
To start off, 2012 GMC Canyon 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 GMC Canyon (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 GMC Canyon should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 GMC Canyon weights approximately 873 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 2012 GMC Canyon 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, 2012 GMC Canyon 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, 2012 GMC Canyon (259 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 GMC Canyon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2012 GMC Canyon has manual transmission. 2012 GMC Canyon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 GMC Canyon | |
Make | Pontiac | GMC |
Model | Firebird | Canyon |
Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2901 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 110 HP | 185 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 256 Nm | 259 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 2478 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4890 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1720 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2830 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 72 L |