1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Ford C-Max
To start off, 2011 Ford C-Max is newer by 30 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, 2011 Ford C-Max (113 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford C-Max should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 230 kg more than 2011 Ford C-Max.
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, 2011 Ford C-Max, 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, 2011 Ford C-Max (300 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Ford C-Max will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2011 Ford C-Max has manual transmission. 2011 Ford C-Max will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Ford C-Max | |
| Make | Pontiac | Ford |
| Model | Firebird | C-Max |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1828 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1626 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2648 mm |
