1961 Abarth 600 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 600 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 98 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 600. (47 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 947 kg more than 1961 Abarth 600. 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 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 600. (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Abarth | Pontiac |
| Model | 600 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| 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 | 595 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 79 L |
