1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1997 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 1997 Porsche Boxster 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Porsche Boxster (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 366 kg more than 1997 Porsche Boxster.
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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Porsche Boxster. (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Porsche Boxster. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1997 Porsche Boxster has manual transmission. 1997 Porsche Boxster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1997 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Pontiac | Porsche |
| Model | Firebird | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1616 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2360 mm |
