1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix. (129 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 170 kg more than 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix. 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix. (217 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 76 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1616 kg | 1446 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 60 L |
