1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1999 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 1999 Subaru Legacy 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Subaru Legacy (154 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 95 kg more than 1999 Subaru Legacy.
Because 1999 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Subaru Legacy will offer significantly more control. 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 (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Subaru Legacy. (219 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Subaru Legacy. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1999 Subaru Legacy has manual transmission. 1999 Subaru Legacy 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 | 1999 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Pontiac | Subaru |
| Model | Firebird | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 99.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 64 L |
