1968 Dodge Polara 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 Dodge Polara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Dodge Polara would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Dodge Polara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Dodge Polara (230 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Dodge Polara should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 125 kg more than 1968 Dodge Polara.
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 Dodge Polara (461 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1968 Dodge Polara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Dodge Polara | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Polara | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.3 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5410 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 79 L |
