2009 Lexus LS vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Lexus LS 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 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus LS (358 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 248 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus LS weights approximately 135 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 LS 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 LS 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 Lexus LS (466 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lexus LS | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lexus | Pontiac |
| Model | LS | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 358 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 466 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| 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 | 1740 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 84 L | 79 L |
