1959 Abarth 1600 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 1600 would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 1600. (95 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 645 kg more than 1959 Abarth 1600. 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. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1959 Abarth 1600 has manual transmission. 1959 Abarth 1600 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:
| 1959 Abarth 1600 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Abarth | Pontiac |
| Model | 1600 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 149 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2750 mm |
