1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2002 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 2002 Saab 03-Sep 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 Saab 03-Sep (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Saab 03-Sep should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 32 kg more than 2002 Saab 03-Sep.
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 Saab 03-Sep, 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 @ 2400 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Saab 03-Sep. (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Saab 03-Sep.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2002 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Pontiac | Saab |
| Model | Firebird | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 61 L |
