2009 Pontiac G8 vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Pontiac G8 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Pontiac G8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Pontiac G8 (414 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (190 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac G8 should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 145 kg more than 2009 Pontiac G8.
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 Pontiac G8 (563 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Pontiac G8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 2009 Pontiac G8 has automatic transmission and 1985 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1985 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Pontiac G8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Pontiac G8 | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | G8 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6200 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 563 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 61 L |
