1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Subaru Tribeca
To start off, 2012 Subaru Tribeca 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 Subaru Tribeca (256 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Tribeca should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Tribeca weights approximately 327 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 Subaru Tribeca is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Tribeca 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 Subaru Tribeca (335 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Tribeca will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 2012 Subaru Tribeca 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 Subaru Tribeca will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Subaru Tribeca | |
| Make | Pontiac | Subaru |
| Model | Firebird | Tribeca |
| 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 | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1869 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4864 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1687 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2748 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 64 L |
