1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2013 GMC Acadia
To start off, 2013 GMC Acadia is newer by 32 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, 2013 GMC Acadia (284 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 GMC Acadia should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 GMC Acadia weights approximately 570 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, 2013 GMC Acadia, 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, 2013 GMC Acadia (366 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 GMC Acadia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 2013 GMC Acadia 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. 2013 GMC Acadia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2013 GMC Acadia | |
| Make | Pontiac | GMC |
| Model | Firebird | Acadia |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Crossover |
| 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 | 284 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 2112 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5101 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2003 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1846 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 3020 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 83 L |
