1971 Jensen Interceptor vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Jensen Interceptor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Jensen Interceptor would be higher. At 6,284 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Jensen Interceptor is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Jensen Interceptor (300 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Jensen Interceptor should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Jensen Interceptor weights approximately 368 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.
Because 1971 Jensen Interceptor is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Jensen Interceptor will offer significantly more control. 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, 1971 Jensen Interceptor (556 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1971 Jensen Interceptor will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Jensen Interceptor | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jensen | Pontiac |
| Model | Interceptor | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6284 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 108 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1973 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 91 L | 79 L |
