2006 Ferrari F430 vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Ferrari F430 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 Ferrari F430 (490 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 290 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 245 kg more than 2006 Ferrari F430.
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 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ferrari F430 | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ferrari | Pontiac |
| Model | F430 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4308 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 490 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 465 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 310 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2750 mm |
