1997 Chevrolet Express vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Express is newer by 17 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Express (197 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 734 kg more than 1980 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, 1997 Chevrolet Express (339 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Express | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Express | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2750 mm |
