1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ford Fairlane (212 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 10 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, 1973 Ford Fairlane (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Fairlane | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fairlane | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |
