2006 Chevrolet Uplander vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Uplander 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Uplander (202 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Uplander should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Uplander weights approximately 764 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.
Because 1980 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 1980 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Uplander, 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, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Uplander. (293 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Uplander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Uplander | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Uplander | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 293 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2360 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 76 L |
