1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1955 Porsche 356
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1955 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1955 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 692 kg more than 1955 Porsche 356. 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1955 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Porsche |
| Model | Firebird | 356 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 52 L |
