1985 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2005 Volvo S80
To start off, 2005 Volvo S80 is newer by 20 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 2,917 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo S80 (268 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo S80 weights approximately 261 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.
Because 1985 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 1985 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volvo S80, 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, 2005 Volvo S80 (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Pontiac Firebird | 2005 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Firebird | S80 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2827 cc | 2917 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
