1969 AMC Hornet vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 AMC Hornet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 AMC Hornet would be higher. At 4,983 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 AMC Hornet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 AMC Hornet (210 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 AMC Hornet should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 256 kg more than 1969 AMC Hornet.
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, 1969 AMC Hornet (414 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1969 AMC Hornet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 AMC Hornet | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | AMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Hornet | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4983 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 414 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 149 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1349 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2750 mm |
