1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (285 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 218 kg more than 1971 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, 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Pontiac |
| Model | V8 Volante | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5341 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 95.3 mm |
| 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 | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 76 L |
