2009 Dodge Ram vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Dodge Ram 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 4,701 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Ram (310 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (135 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Ram weights approximately 1175 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.
Because 2009 Dodge Ram 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 Dodge Ram 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 Dodge Ram (448 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 2009 Dodge Ram 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 Ram will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Ram | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Ram | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4701 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 448 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2537 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5820 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3560 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 60 L |
