1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1974 Toyota Century
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Toyota Century would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Toyota Century (157 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Toyota Century should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Toyota Century weights approximately 223 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Toyota Century. (271 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Toyota Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1974 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
| Model | Firebird | Century |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 3376 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2870 mm |
