1981 Plymouth Horizon 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 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Plymouth Horizon would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (62 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 535 kg more than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Plymouth Horizon, 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Plymouth Horizon | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Plymouth | Pontiac |
| Model | Horizon | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1715 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2570 mm |
