2003 Cadillac CTS vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Cadillac CTS is newer by 18 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, 2003 Cadillac CTS (252 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (190 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 201 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 2003 Cadillac CTS (346 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac CTS | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | CTS | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3563 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 61 L |
