1981 Fiat Strada vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Fiat Strada 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1981 Fiat Strada. (125 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat Strada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 616 kg more than 1981 Fiat Strada. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Strada, 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Strada. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat Strada.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Strada | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | Strada | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 76 L |
