2005 Chevrolet Silverado vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 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 5,359 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Chevrolet Silverado (295 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chevrolet Silverado weights approximately 730 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 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 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, 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 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, 2005 Chevrolet Silverado (454 Nm) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm). This means 2005 Chevrolet Silverado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 2005 Chevrolet Silverado has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Chevrolet Silverado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Chevrolet Silverado | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Silverado | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5359 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | 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 | 2272 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5850 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3650 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 79 L |
