2006 GMC Canyon vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 GMC Canyon 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 GMC Canyon (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 GMC Canyon should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 GMC Canyon weights approximately 1117 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.
Because 2006 GMC Canyon is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 GMC Canyon will offer significantly more control. 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 GMC Canyon. (251 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 GMC Canyon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 GMC Canyon | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | GMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Canyon | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2768 cc | 5012 cc |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2659 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 79 L |
