1981 Matra-Simca Murena vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Matra-Simca Murena. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Matra-Simca Murena would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Matra-Simca Murena. (91 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1981 Matra-Simca Murena. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 533 kg more than 1981 Matra-Simca Murena. 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Matra-Simca Murena. (136 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Matra-Simca Murena.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Matra-Simca Murena | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Matra-Simca | Pontiac |
| Model | Murena | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2154 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2570 mm |
