2009 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (155 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 165 kg more than 1980 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1980 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (203 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
Model | Cobalt | Firebird |
Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2201 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 155 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 203 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 7.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1585 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2750 mm |