1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2010 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2010 Ford Falcon is newer by 29 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, 2010 Ford Falcon (362 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Ford Falcon weights approximately 162 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, 2010 Ford Falcon (533 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2010 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 2010 Ford Falcon 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. 2010 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2010 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Pontiac | Ford |
| Model | Firebird | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 3983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 533 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 92.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1704 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4967 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1868 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1433 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2838 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 68 L |
