2001 Acura TL vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Acura TL is newer by 21 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, 2001 Acura TL (226 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 21 kg more than 2001 Acura TL.
Because 1980 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 1980 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Acura TL, 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, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Acura TL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Acura TL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura TL | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Acura | Pontiac |
| Model | TL | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 76 L |
