1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2009 SsangYong Rexton
To start off, 2009 SsangYong Rexton is newer by 28 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, 2009 SsangYong Rexton (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 SsangYong Rexton should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 SsangYong Rexton weights approximately 430 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.
Because 2009 SsangYong Rexton 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, 2009 SsangYong Rexton 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, 2009 SsangYong Rexton (345 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 SsangYong Rexton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 2009 SsangYong Rexton 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. 2009 SsangYong Rexton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2009 SsangYong Rexton | |
| Make | Pontiac | SsangYong |
| Model | Firebird | Rexton |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 86.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 80 L |
