1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2006 Porsche 911
To start off, 2006 Porsche 911 is newer by 25 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, 2006 Porsche 911 (325 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Porsche 911 weights approximately 193 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Porsche 911 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2006 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Porsche |
| Model | Firebird | 911 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 3589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 96.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 64 L |
