1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk would be higher. At 5,768 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk (271 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 67 kg more than 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk.
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, 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk (515 Nm) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm). This means 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk | |
| Make | Pontiac | Studebaker |
| Model | Firebird | Sky Hawk |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 5768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2980 mm |
