1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1989 Suzuki Alto
To start off, 1989 Suzuki Alto is newer by 8 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 107 more horse power than 1989 Suzuki Alto. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1989 Suzuki Alto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 912 kg more than 1989 Suzuki Alto. 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, 1989 Suzuki Alto, 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 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Suzuki Alto. (59 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Suzuki Alto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1989 Suzuki Alto | |
| Make | Pontiac | Suzuki |
| Model | Firebird | Alto |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 59 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 68.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2180 mm |
