1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2006 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2006 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla (221 HP) has 76 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 257 kg more than 2006 Toyota Corolla.
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, 2006 Toyota Corolla, 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 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Toyota Corolla. (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2006 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
| Model | Firebird | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 221 HP |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
