2009 Audi A8 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Audi A8 is newer by 28 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, 2009 Audi A8 (350 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 2009 Audi A8 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, 2009 Audi A8 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 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Audi A8. (442 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Audi A8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A8 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Audi | Pontiac |
| Model | A8 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4163 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 442 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 79 L |
