1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne 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 Pontiac Grande Parisienne. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne would be higher. At 5,317 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne weights approximately 155 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne (441 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Grande Parisienne | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5317 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 441 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.3 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 102 L | 79 L |
