2005 Pontiac Bonneville vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Pontiac Bonneville 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 Pontiac Bonneville (275 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 177 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 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 Pontiac Bonneville, 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, 2005 Pontiac Bonneville (407 Nm) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm). This means 2005 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 2005 Pontiac Bonneville 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 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Pontiac Bonneville | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Bonneville | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4572 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1719 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 79 L |
