1981 Buick Electra vs. 1977 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Buick Electra is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1981 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Electra weights approximately 96 kg more than 1977 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Electra | 1977 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Electra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 76 L |
