1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2002 Toyota Caldina
To start off, 2002 Toyota Caldina 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Caldina. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Caldina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 297 kg more than 2002 Toyota Caldina. 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 Toyota Caldina, 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 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Caldina. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Caldina. 2002 Toyota Caldina 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 Toyota Caldina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2002 Toyota Caldina | |
| Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
| Model | Firebird | Caldina |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 50 L |
