1980 Plymouth Horizon 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 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Plymouth Horizon 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 62 more horse power than 1980 Plymouth Horizon. (83 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1980 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 542 kg more than 1980 Plymouth Horizon. 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, 1980 Plymouth Horizon, 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 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Plymouth Horizon. (151 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Plymouth Horizon | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Plymouth | Pontiac |
| Model | Horizon | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2213 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2750 mm |
