1981 Ford Capri vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Capri (158 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 126 kg more than 1981 Ford Capri.
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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (221 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Capri | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 60 L |
