1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1977 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Vauxhall Chevette 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 12 more horse power than 1977 Vauxhall Chevette. (133 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1977 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 652 kg more than 1977 Vauxhall Chevette. 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 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Vauxhall Chevette. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1977 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Pontiac | Vauxhall |
| Model | Firebird | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2279 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 97.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2410 mm |
