2009 Lexus IS vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 149 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Lexus IS is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lexus IS | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lexus | Pontiac |
| Model | IS | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 79 L |
