1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1993 Ford Falcon
To start off, 1993 Ford Falcon is newer by 12 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, 1993 Ford Falcon (268 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Ford Falcon weights approximately 103 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1993 Ford Falcon (420 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1993 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 1993 Ford Falcon 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. 1993 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1993 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Pontiac | Ford |
| Model | Firebird | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2800 mm |
