1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2003 Toyota Echo
To start off, 2003 Toyota Echo is newer by 22 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Echo. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Echo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 650 kg more than 2003 Toyota Echo. 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, 2003 Toyota Echo, 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 (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Echo. (142 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Echo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2003 Toyota Echo | |
| Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
| Model | Firebird | Echo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 84.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 45 L |
