2006 Cadillac STS vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Cadillac STS is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Cadillac STS (253 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Cadillac STS weights approximately 197 kg more than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Cadillac STS. (342 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Cadillac STS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Cadillac STS | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | STS | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3563 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 253 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 342 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 229 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1782 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2750 mm |
