1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1985 Nissan Stanza
To start off, 1985 Nissan Stanza is newer by 4 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 @ 3800 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1985 Nissan Stanza. (81 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1985 Nissan Stanza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 662 kg more than 1985 Nissan Stanza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1985 Nissan Stanza, 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 @ 2400 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Nissan Stanza. (130 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Nissan Stanza. 1985 Nissan Stanza 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. 1985 Nissan Stanza will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1985 Nissan Stanza | |
| Make | Pontiac | Nissan |
| Model | Firebird | Stanza |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2480 mm |
