1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1999 Renault Espace
To start off, 1999 Renault Espace is newer by 18 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 45 more horse power than 1999 Renault Espace. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1999 Renault Espace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 18 kg more than 1999 Renault Espace. 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, 1999 Renault Espace, 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 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Renault Espace. (208 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Renault Espace.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1999 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Pontiac | Renault |
| Model | Firebird | Espace |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 208 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2710 mm |
