2006 Pontiac GTO vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Pontiac GTO is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Pontiac GTO (400 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (190 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 216 kg more than 1985 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 Pontiac GTO (543 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Pontiac GTO | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | GTO | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5965 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 543 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 61 L |
