1980 Nissan Skyline vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1980 Nissan Skyline. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1980 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 560 kg more than 1980 Nissan Skyline. 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Nissan Skyline. (133 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Nissan Skyline. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1980 Nissan Skyline has manual transmission. 1980 Nissan Skyline will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Nissan Skyline | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
Model | Skyline | Firebird |
Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1595 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 110 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 133 Nm | 256 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1045 kg | 1605 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2750 mm |