1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1968 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,549 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Pontiac GTO (365 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 255 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1968 Pontiac GTO (603 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 347 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1968 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1968 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | GTO |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 6549 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 365 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 603 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 104.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 69 L |
