2004 Buick Rainier vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Buick Rainier is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Buick Rainier (276 HP) has 131 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Buick Rainier should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Buick Rainier weights approximately 557 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Buick Rainier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Buick Rainier will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Buick Rainier (387 Nm) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm). This means 2004 Buick Rainier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Buick Rainier | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Rainier | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 145 HP |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 102 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2099 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 79 L |
