1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 16 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 5,669 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (302 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 38 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (453 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 5669 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 453 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 92 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 | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 54 L |
