2007 Buick Lucerne vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2007 Buick Lucerne is newer by 26 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Buick Lucerne (276 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Buick Lucerne weights approximately 330 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 1981 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 1981 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Buick Lucerne, 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Buick Lucerne. (400 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Buick Lucerne.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Buick Lucerne | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Lucerne | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1946 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 79 L |
