1995 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1995 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 15 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1995 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Chevrolet Corvette (380 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 21 kg more than 1995 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 1995 Chevrolet Corvette (512 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1995 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Chevrolet Corvette | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Corvette | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 380 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 512 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 262 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
