1981 Ferrari 512 BBi vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi (340 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi weights approximately 29 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. 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 Ferrari 512 BBi (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ferrari | Pontiac |
| Model | 512 BBi | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3790 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1499 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2750 mm |
