2005 Dodge Nitro vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Dodge Nitro is newer by 20 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 3,704 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Dodge Nitro (208 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (135 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 503 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 2005 Dodge Nitro 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, 2005 Dodge Nitro 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 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2005 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 2005 Dodge Nitro 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. 2005 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Dodge Nitro | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Nitro | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1985 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3704 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2570 mm |
