1985 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2003 Renault Clio
To start off, 2003 Renault Clio is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Renault Clio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Renault Clio (251 HP @ 7150 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (135 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Renault Clio should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Renault Clio weights approximately 168 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Renault Clio (300 Nm @ 4650 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Renault Clio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Pontiac Firebird | 2003 Renault Clio | |
| Make | Pontiac | Renault |
| Model | Firebird | Clio |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2838 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 7150 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 11.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 178 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |
