1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2001 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 2001 TVR Chimaera 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 TVR Chimaera (335 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 482 kg more than 2001 TVR Chimaera.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 TVR Chimaera (484 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2001 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | Pontiac | TVR |
| Model | Firebird | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 4986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 484 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 269 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 57 L |
