1981 Chrysler Avenger vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Chrysler Avenger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Chrysler Avenger would be higher. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1981 Chrysler Avenger. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1981 Chrysler Avenger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 625 kg more than 1981 Chrysler Avenger. 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chrysler Avenger. (93 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chrysler Avenger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chrysler Avenger | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chrysler | Pontiac |
| Model | Avenger | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2570 mm |
