1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1983 Buick Century
To start off, 1983 Buick Century is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird 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) has 60 more horse power than 1983 Buick Century. (85 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1983 Buick Century.
Because 1981 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Buick Century, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Buick Century. (224 Nm). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Buick Century. 1983 Buick Century 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. 1983 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1983 Buick Century | |
| Make | Pontiac | Buick |
| Model | Firebird | Century |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 4300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 85 HP |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4849 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1374 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2664 mm |
