1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1994 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 1994 TVR Chimaera is newer by 13 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, 1994 TVR Chimaera (225 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 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 517 kg more than 1994 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, 1994 TVR Chimaera (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1994 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 | 1994 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | Pontiac | TVR |
| Model | Firebird | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 94.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 71.1 mm |
| 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 | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4020 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 |
