2008 Audi A6 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Audi A6 is newer by 27 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, 2008 Audi A6 (177 HP @ 3300 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi A6 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi A6 weights approximately 113 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, 2008 Audi A6, 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, 2008 Audi A6 (380 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Audi A6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 2008 Audi A6 has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Audi A6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A6 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Audi | Pontiac |
| Model | A6 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3698 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 79 L |
