2009 Chevrolet Silverado vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado (315 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 67 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Silverado.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Silverado. (458 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Silverado.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Silverado | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Silverado | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5300 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 458 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6340 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 4010 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 129 L | 79 L |
