1968 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Chevrolet Corvette (350 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 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 79 kg more than 1968 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, 1968 Chevrolet Corvette (488 Nm) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm). This means 1968 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Corvette | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5354 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1463 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 79 L |
