1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1995 Ford Aspire
To start off, 1995 Ford Aspire is newer by 14 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 82 more horse power than 1995 Ford Aspire. (63 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1995 Ford Aspire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 612 kg more than 1995 Ford Aspire. 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, 1995 Ford Aspire, 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 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Ford Aspire. (100 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Ford Aspire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1995 Ford Aspire | |
| Make | Pontiac | Ford |
| Model | Firebird | Aspire |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 37 L |
