1989 GMC Jimmy vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1989 GMC Jimmy is newer by 8 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 GMC Jimmy (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 GMC Jimmy should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 GMC Jimmy weights approximately 338 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 1989 GMC Jimmy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 GMC Jimmy will offer significantly more control. 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, 1989 GMC Jimmy (407 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 GMC Jimmy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 1989 GMC Jimmy has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 GMC Jimmy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 GMC Jimmy | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | GMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Jimmy | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2750 mm |
