1980 Ford Laser vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Laser would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1980 Ford Laser. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 738 kg more than 1980 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Laser, 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Laser. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Ford Laser | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Laser | Firebird |
Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1490 cc | 3353 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 85 HP | 146 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 120 Nm | 257 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3150 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1528 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4970 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2570 mm |