2010 Nissan Xterra vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2010 Nissan Xterra is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 288 kg more than 1980 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, 2010 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Nissan Xterra | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Xterra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2010 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4000 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1884 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4539 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1849 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1902 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 76 L |
