1958 Lotus Elite vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite 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 74 more horse power than 1958 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1958 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 962 kg more than 1958 Lotus Elite. 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 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lotus Elite. (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Lotus Elite | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elite | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 79 L |
