1985 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Chevrolet Express
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Express 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 6,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Express (260 HP @ 3100 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 1076 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 Chevrolet Express (711 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 488 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 2011 Chevrolet Express 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 Chevrolet Express will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Chevrolet Express | |
| Make | Pontiac | Chevrolet |
| Model | Firebird | Express |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2827 cc | 6600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 711 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 2432 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5692 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 2070 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 3429 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 117 L |
