2009 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe (320 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe weights approximately 658 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 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 Chevrolet Tahoe (461 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Tahoe | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5300 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1960 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 79 L |
