1968 Chevrolet Nova 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 Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Chevrolet Nova 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 91 more horse power than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. (109 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 224 kg more than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. 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 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1968 Chevrolet Nova has manual transmission. 1968 Chevrolet Nova 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:
1968 Chevrolet Nova | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
Model | Nova | Firebird |
Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4097 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 109 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 256 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 98.2 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1616 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2750 mm |