1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2002 Acura CL

To start off, 2002 Acura CL is newer by 21 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, 2002 Acura CL (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 25 kg more than 2002 Acura CL.

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, 2002 Acura CL, 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, 2002 Acura CL (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2002 Acura CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.

Compare all specifications:

1981 Pontiac Firebird 2002 Acura CL
Make Pontiac Acura
Model Firebird CL
Year Released 1981 2002
Body Type Coupe Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3790 cc 3210 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type V V
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 110 HP 260 HP
Engine RPM 3800 RPM 6900 RPM
Torque 256 Nm 315 Nm
Torque RPM 1600 RPM 3500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 96.5 mm 89 mm
Engine Stroke Size 86.4 mm 86 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 8.0:1 9.8:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Automatic
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1605 kg 1580 kg
Vehicle Length 5040 mm 4880 mm
Vehicle Width 1860 mm 1800 mm
Vehicle Height 1260 mm 1420 mm
Wheelbase Size 2750 mm 2580 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 79 L 65 L


 

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