2009 GMC Sierra vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 GMC Sierra 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 5,967 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 GMC Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 GMC Sierra (327 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 GMC Sierra should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
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 GMC Sierra (367 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 GMC Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 2009 GMC Sierra has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 GMC Sierra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 GMC Sierra | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | GMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Sierra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5967 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 327 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 367 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5850 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 79 L |
