1985 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 27 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 2,838 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Highlander (187 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (135 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 428 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, 2012 Toyota Highlander, 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, 2012 Toyota Highlander (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 2012 Toyota Highlander 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. 2012 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1985 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
Model | Firebird | Highlander |
Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2838 cc | 2700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 187 HP |
Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 223 Nm | 252 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4785 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1910 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1730 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2789 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 73 L |