1984 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Dodge Caliber
To start off, 2012 Dodge Caliber is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Caliber (158 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1984 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 1984 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Caliber, 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, 1984 Pontiac Firebird (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Dodge Caliber. (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1984 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Dodge Caliber.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Dodge Caliber | |
| Make | Pontiac | Dodge |
| Model | Firebird | Caliber |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2827 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4415 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1534 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2634 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 51 L |
