1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1988 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 7 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 12 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Firebird.
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 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Firebird. (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1988 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 60 L |
