2008 Chevrolet Captiva vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Captiva 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2008 Chevrolet Captiva. (134 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Chevrolet Captiva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet Captiva weights approximately 229 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
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 Chevrolet Captiva, 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 238 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet Captiva. (221 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet Captiva. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2008 Chevrolet Captiva has manual transmission. 2008 Chevrolet Captiva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Captiva | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Captiva | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2405 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 79 L |
