1985 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Cadillac Escalade
To start off, 2011 Cadillac Escalade is newer by 26 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Cadillac Escalade (403 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (135 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Cadillac Escalade should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Cadillac Escalade weights approximately 1257 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, 2011 Cadillac Escalade (565 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 342 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Cadillac Escalade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 2011 Cadillac Escalade 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. 2011 Cadillac Escalade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Cadillac Escalade | |
| Make | Pontiac | Cadillac |
| Model | Firebird | Escalade |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2838 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 403 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 565 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 2619 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5639 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2009 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1892 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3302 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 117 L |
