1976 Oldsmobile Toronado vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 7,444 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado (265 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 573 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 1981 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 1981 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado, 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, 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado 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. 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Pontiac |
| Model | Toronado | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7444 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.9 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 108 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2115 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5620 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 91 L | 79 L |
