2011 Porsche Boxster vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2011 Porsche Boxster is newer by 31 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Porsche Boxster (320 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 310 kg more than 2011 Porsche Boxster.
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, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Porsche Boxster. (370 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Porsche Boxster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Porsche Boxster | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Porsche | Pontiac |
| Model | Boxster | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3400 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4341 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1801 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1232 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2416 mm | 2750 mm |
