1981 Fiat Strada 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 Fiat Strada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat Strada would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1981 Fiat Strada. (125 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat Strada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 548 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 1997 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 1997 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Strada. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 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 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | Strada | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2570 mm |
