2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (200 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 72 kg more than 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
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 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 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 (324 Nm) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. (305 Nm). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Monte Carlo | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3786 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 79 L |
