1981 Ford Cortina vs. 1982 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1982 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 4,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Pontiac Firebird (168 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina.
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, 1982 Pontiac Firebird (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 1982 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Cortina | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 4997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |
