2008 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Impala 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Impala (211 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 530 kg more than 2008 Chevrolet Impala.
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 Impala, 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 Chevrolet Impala (290 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Impala | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Impala | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3505 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.1 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 79 L |
