1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 Mitsubishi Lancer (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 137 kg more than 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer.
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 Mitsubishi Lancer, 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 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer. (226 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Firebird | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2634 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 59 L |
