2001 Nissan Maxima vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Nissan Maxima 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 Nissan Maxima (222 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 56 kg more than 2001 Nissan Maxima.
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 Nissan Maxima, 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) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Nissan Maxima. (293 Nm). This means 1980 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Nissan Maxima | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Maxima | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2956 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 222 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 293 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2750 mm |
