1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Volvo S80
To start off, 2011 Volvo S80 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,352 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP) has 32 more horse power than 2011 Volvo S80. (114 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2011 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volvo S80 weights approximately 81 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1997 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 1997 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volvo S80, 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, 2011 Volvo S80 (270 Nm) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm). This means 2011 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 2011 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Firebird | S80 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3352 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 114 HP |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1609 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1864 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2776 mm |
