1971 Oldsmobile 442 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 Oldsmobile 442. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile 442 would be higher. At 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile 442 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 (260 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 weights approximately 188 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, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 (502 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile 442 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Oldsmobile 442 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Pontiac |
| Model | 442 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7467 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 502 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.9 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 108 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2750 mm |
