2009 Maserati Quattroporte vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Maserati Quattroporte 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 4,691 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Maserati Quattroporte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Maserati Quattroporte (425 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 315 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Maserati Quattroporte should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Maserati Quattroporte weights approximately 275 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.
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 Maserati Quattroporte (490 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Maserati Quattroporte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Maserati Quattroporte | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Maserati | Pontiac |
| Model | Quattroporte | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4691 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 425 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 280 km/hour | 149 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 79 L |
