2005 Oldsmobile Alero vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Oldsmobile Alero 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Oldsmobile Alero (138 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Oldsmobile Alero should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 245 kg more than 2005 Oldsmobile Alero.
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 Oldsmobile Alero, 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 (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Oldsmobile Alero. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Oldsmobile Alero.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Oldsmobile Alero | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Pontiac |
| Model | Alero | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 86.4 mm |
| 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 | 1360 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 79 L |
