2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro 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 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (190 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 217 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Nitro. 2009 Dodge Nitro 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 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Nitro | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 61 L |
