1969 Dodge Dart 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 Dodge Dart. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Dodge Dart 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 95 more horse power than 1969 Dodge Dart. (105 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1969 Dodge Dart. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 261 kg more than 1969 Dodge Dart. 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 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Dodge Dart. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Dodge Dart.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Dodge Dart | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Dart | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3248 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 79 L |
