1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1980 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Holden Commodore 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 43 more horse power than 1980 Holden Commodore. (102 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1980 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 322 kg more than 1980 Holden Commodore. 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 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Holden Commodore. (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Holden Commodore. 1980 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1980 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Pontiac | Holden |
| Model | Firebird | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2670 mm |
