1961 Chevrolet Corvette 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 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,637 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 205 kg more than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1961 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1961 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
Model | Corvette | Firebird |
Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4637 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 227 HP | 110 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 407 Nm | 256 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1605 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 79 L |