2006 Cadillac XLR vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Cadillac XLR is newer by 25 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, 2006 Cadillac XLR (320 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 114 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.
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, 2006 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Cadillac XLR | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | XLR | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | 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 | 320 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 79 L |
