2003 Nissan 350Z vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Nissan 350Z is newer by 23 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, 2003 Nissan 350Z (265 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 106 kg more than 2003 Nissan 350Z.
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 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Nissan 350Z | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | 350Z | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 76 L |
