2005 Acura CL vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Acura CL is newer by 24 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, 2005 Acura CL (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 36 kg more than 2005 Acura CL.
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, 2005 Acura CL, 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 @ 2000 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Acura CL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Acura CL.
Compare all specifications:
2005 Acura CL | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Acura | Pontiac |
Model | CL | Firebird |
Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3210 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 223 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 294 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 7.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1616 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 79 L |