1998 Oldsmobile Bravada vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada (160 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada weights approximately 373 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada will offer significantly more control. 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 Oldsmobile Bravada (345 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Pontiac |
| Model | Bravada | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4299 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 345 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1915 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
