2009 GMC Canyon vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 GMC Canyon is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 GMC Canyon (186 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 GMC Canyon should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 GMC Canyon weights approximately 134 kg more than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 GMC Canyon is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 GMC Canyon 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, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 GMC Canyon. (258 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 GMC Canyon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 GMC Canyon | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | GMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Canyon | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2901 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 76 L |
