1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2002 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2002 Subaru Legacy 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 Subaru Legacy (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 290 kg more than 2002 Subaru Legacy.
Because 2002 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Subaru Legacy will offer significantly more control. 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 (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Subaru Legacy. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Subaru Legacy. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2002 Subaru Legacy has manual transmission. 2002 Subaru Legacy will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2002 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Pontiac | Subaru |
| Model | Firebird | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2640 mm |
