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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura CL (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 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 36 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura CL. (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura CL.
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 | 4942 cc | 3210 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 260 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6900 RPM |
Torque | 459 Nm | 315 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 89 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 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 | 1616 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 |