1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1958 Rover P4
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Rover P4 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 66 more horse power than 1958 Rover P4. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1958 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 142 kg more than 1958 Rover P4. 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 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Rover P4. (188 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1958 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Rover |
| Model | Firebird | P4 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2636 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 52 L |
