1981 Nissan Cherry vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Cherry would be higher. At 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 703 kg more than 1981 Nissan Cherry. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Cherry, 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 365 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Cherry. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Cherry has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Cherry will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Cherry | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Cherry | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1270 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2570 mm |
