1998 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (135 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 210 kg more than 1985 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, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 1985 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1985 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Corvette | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Corvette | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.1 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 265 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 60 L |
