1998 Pontiac Trans Sport vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport 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 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (190 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport weights approximately 221 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1985 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 1985 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport, 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport. (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Trans Sport | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2258 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 61 L |
