1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Honda Accord Crosstour
To start off, 2012 Honda Accord Crosstour 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Accord Crosstour (271 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Accord Crosstour should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Accord Crosstour weights approximately 131 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 1981 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Honda Accord Crosstour, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Accord Crosstour. (344 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Accord Crosstour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Honda Accord Crosstour | |
| Make | Pontiac | Honda |
| Model | Firebird | Accord Crosstour |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1616 kg | 1747 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1897 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1669 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 70 L |
