1990 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1988 Volvo 480
To start off, 1990 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volvo 480. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volvo 480 would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Firebird (235 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 480. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 480.
Because 1990 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 1990 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 480, 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, 1990 Pontiac Firebird (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 480. (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1990 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 480.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Pontiac Firebird | 1988 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Firebird | 480 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1720 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 58 L |
