1986 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1986 Cadillac Eldorado is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,080 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Cadillac Eldorado (133 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Cadillac Eldorado should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 85 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Cadillac Eldorado, 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, 1986 Cadillac Eldorado (270 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1986 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Cadillac Eldorado | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | Eldorado | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4080 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2750 mm |
