1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2001 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2001 Nissan Altima 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Nissan Altima (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 303 kg more than 2001 Nissan Altima.
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, 2001 Nissan Altima, 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 (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Nissan Altima. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2001 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Pontiac | Nissan |
| Model | Firebird | Altima |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1302 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 80 L |
