1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1973 Porsche 911
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Porsche 911 (226 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 705 kg more than 1973 Porsche 911.
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, 1973 Porsche 911 (275 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1973 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1973 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 1973 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1973 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Porsche |
| Model | Firebird | 911 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 70.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 149 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 80 L |
