1979 Citroen GSA vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Citroen GSA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Citroen GSA would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1979 Citroen GSA. (64 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen GSA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 622 kg more than 1979 Citroen GSA. 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, 1979 Citroen GSA, 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen GSA. (94 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen GSA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen GSA | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Citroen | Pontiac |
| Model | GSA | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 156 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2750 mm |
