1955 Oldsmobile 98 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Oldsmobile 98. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Oldsmobile 98 would be higher. At 5,320 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Oldsmobile 98 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Oldsmobile 98 (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Oldsmobile 98 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Oldsmobile 98 weights approximately 186 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.
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, 1955 Oldsmobile 98 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 98 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1955 Oldsmobile 98 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Oldsmobile | Pontiac |
Model | 98 | Firebird |
Year Released | 1955 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5320 cc | 5012 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 450 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1728 kg | 1542 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2750 mm |