2008 Lexus GS vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Lexus GS 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, 2008 Lexus GS (340 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lexus GS weights approximately 328 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.
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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lexus GS. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lexus GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lexus GS | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lexus | Pontiac |
| Model | GS | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3456 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.8:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1944 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 79 L |
