2008 Cadillac CTS vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Cadillac CTS is newer by 28 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac CTS (307 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 198 kg more than 1980 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, 2008 Cadillac CTS (374 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Cadillac CTS | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | CTS | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3564 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 307 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 374 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.6 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1794 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
