2006 Buick LaCrosse vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 21 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 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Buick LaCrosse (200 HP) has 10 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (190 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 476 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 1985 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 1985 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Buick LaCrosse. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Buick LaCrosse | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | LaCrosse | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3786 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 190 HP |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 61 L |
