1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2002 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2002 Porsche Boxster 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 Porsche Boxster (217 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 282 kg more than 2002 Porsche Boxster.
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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Porsche Boxster. (265 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Porsche Boxster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2002 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Pontiac | Porsche |
| Model | Firebird | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2685 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2360 mm |
