1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1993 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 1993 TVR Chimaera 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 TVR Chimaera (305 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 492 kg more than 1993 TVR Chimaera.
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 TVR Chimaera (498 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1993 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1993 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | Pontiac | TVR |
| Model | Firebird | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 4997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 498 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 57 L |
