2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 119 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (81 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 160 kg more than 1981 Volvo 240. 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1981 Volvo 240 has manual transmission. 1981 Volvo 240 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Firebird | 240 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 81 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2660 mm |
