1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2002 Dodge Intrepid
To start off, 2002 Dodge Intrepid 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Dodge Intrepid (225 HP) has 80 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Intrepid should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Dodge Intrepid weights approximately 28 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Dodge Intrepid, 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 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Dodge Intrepid. (306 Nm). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Dodge Intrepid. 2002 Dodge Intrepid has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Dodge Intrepid will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2002 Dodge Intrepid | |
| Make | Pontiac | Dodge |
| Model | Firebird | Intrepid |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 3228 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 225 HP |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 191 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2880 mm |
