2004 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan (215 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 263 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 1981 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan. (332 Nm). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Grand Caravan | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3786 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1879 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 79 L |
