1985 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2010 Cadillac DTS
To start off, 2010 Cadillac DTS is newer by 25 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Cadillac DTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Cadillac DTS (275 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (135 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Cadillac DTS should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Cadillac DTS weights approximately 456 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, 2010 Cadillac DTS, 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, 2010 Cadillac DTS (400 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2010 Cadillac DTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 2010 Cadillac DTS has automatic transmission and 1985 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1985 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Cadillac DTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Pontiac Firebird | 2010 Cadillac DTS | |
| Make | Pontiac | Cadillac |
| Model | Firebird | DTS |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2838 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1818 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5273 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2936 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 68 L |
