2004 Cadillac Escalade vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Cadillac Escalade is newer by 19 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 5,967 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Cadillac Escalade (340 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (135 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Cadillac Escalade should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Cadillac Escalade weights approximately 1284 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.
Because 2004 Cadillac Escalade is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Cadillac Escalade 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 Cadillac Escalade (380 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Cadillac Escalade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 2004 Cadillac Escalade has automatic transmission and 1985 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1985 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Cadillac Escalade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Cadillac Escalade | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | Escalade | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5967 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2646 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5630 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1930 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3380 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 60 L |
