2009 Cadillac STS vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Cadillac STS 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 Cadillac STS (302 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 56 kg more than 2009 Cadillac STS.
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 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Cadillac STS. (369 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Cadillac STS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac STS | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | STS | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 369 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 3.7:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 79 L |
