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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (133 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (67 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 346 kg more than 1981 Ford Capri. 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (115 Nm @ 2700 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 | 1593 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.8 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 60 L |
