1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2001 Pontiac Vibe
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Vibe 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, 2001 Pontiac Vibe (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Vibe should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 340 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Vibe.
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 Pontiac Vibe, 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) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Vibe. (177 Nm). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Vibe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2001 Pontiac Vibe | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | Vibe |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1202 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2610 mm |
