2009 Chevrolet Express vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Express 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Express. (193 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Express. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 769 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
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 199 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Express. (260 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Express.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Express | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Express | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4300 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2385 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5700 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2080 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 79 L |
