1961 Holden FB Special 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 Holden FB Special. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Holden FB Special would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1961 Holden FB Special. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1961 Holden FB Special. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 516 kg more than 1961 Holden FB Special. 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Holden FB Special. (163 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Holden FB Special.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Holden FB Special | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Holden | Pontiac |
| Model | FB Special | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2262 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2750 mm |
