1951 Citroen 15 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Citroen 15. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Citroen 15 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1951 Citroen 15. (76 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1951 Citroen 15. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 290 kg more than 1951 Citroen 15. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1951 Citroen 15, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Citroen 15. (187 Nm). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Citroen 15. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1951 Citroen 15 has manual transmission. 1951 Citroen 15 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Citroen 15 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Citroen | Pontiac |
| Model | 15 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2867 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.2:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2750 mm |
