2009 Chevrolet Express vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Express is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Express (301 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (135 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 101 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Express.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Express is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Express 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, 2009 Chevrolet Express (441 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 2009 Chevrolet Express has automatic transmission and 1985 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1985 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chevrolet Express will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Express | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Express | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5300 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 441 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5700 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2080 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 60 L |
