2009 Audi R8 vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Audi R8 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi R8 (420 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (296 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 855 kg more than 2009 Audi R8.
Because 2009 Audi R8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 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, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Audi R8. (430 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Audi R8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi R8 | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Audi | Pontiac |
| Model | R8 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4163 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 430 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 76 L |
