1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2013 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2013 Toyota Highlander 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Toyota Highlander (266 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 290 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 2013 Toyota Highlander 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, 2013 Toyota Highlander 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, 2013 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2013 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2013 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
| Model | Firebird | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 73 L |
