2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1986 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,698 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Firebird. (140 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Firebird.
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 (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Firebird. (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 1986 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5698 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2580 mm |
