1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 229 kg more than 1980 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, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (434 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Pontiac |
| Model | V8 Volante | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2750 mm |
