1971 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1982 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1982 Holden Commodore is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1982 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1982 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 436 kg more than 1982 Holden Commodore. 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 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 281 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Holden Commodore. (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Pontiac Firebird | 1982 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Pontiac | Holden |
| Model | Firebird | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6547 cc | 1892 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 421 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2670 mm |
