1970 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1981 Suzuki Alto
To start off, 1981 Suzuki Alto is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1981 Suzuki Alto. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1981 Suzuki Alto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 975 kg more than 1981 Suzuki Alto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1970 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Suzuki Alto, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Suzuki Alto. (60 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Suzuki Alto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac Firebird | 1981 Suzuki Alto | |
| Make | Pontiac | Suzuki |
| Model | Firebird | Alto |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5792 cc | 796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 3300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2160 mm |
