1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Jeep Wrangler
To start off, 2011 Jeep Wrangler 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Jeep Wrangler (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Jeep Wrangler should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Jeep Wrangler weights approximately 394 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 2011 Jeep Wrangler 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, 2011 Jeep Wrangler 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Jeep Wrangler. (321 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Jeep Wrangler.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Jeep Wrangler | |
| Make | Pontiac | Jeep |
| Model | Firebird | Wrangler |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1936 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4404 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1877 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2946 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 85 L |
