2008 Chevrolet Avalanche vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche weights approximately 584 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 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 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, 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche. (454 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Avalanche | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5300 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5630 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 79 L |
