2009 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 5,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe (332 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (135 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 252 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe.
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, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe (498 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 Tahoe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Tahoe | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5999 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 332 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 60 L |
