1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2001 Holden Cruze
To start off, 2001 Holden Cruze is newer by 20 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 73 more horse power than 2001 Holden Cruze. (72 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2001 Holden Cruze. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 557 kg more than 2001 Holden Cruze. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Holden Cruze 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, 2001 Holden Cruze 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 (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Holden Cruze. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Holden Cruze. 2001 Holden Cruze has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Holden Cruze will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2001 Holden Cruze | |
| Make | Pontiac | Holden |
| Model | Firebird | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2370 mm |
