1956 Austin A 30 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 862 kg more than 1956 Austin A 30. 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 30.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 30 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | A 30 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 58 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 79 L |
