2008 GMC Canyon vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 GMC Canyon 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 15 more horse power than 2008 GMC Canyon. (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 GMC Canyon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 GMC Canyon weights approximately 525 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 2008 GMC Canyon 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 GMC Canyon 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 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 GMC Canyon. (259 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 GMC Canyon. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2008 GMC Canyon has manual transmission. 2008 GMC Canyon 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 GMC Canyon | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | GMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Canyon | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2901 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 259 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2141 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 79 L |
