1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Porsche 911
To start off, 2011 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 (345 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 153 kg more than 2011 Porsche 911.
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, 2011 Porsche 911 (390 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Porsche |
| Model | Firebird | 911 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 345 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1389 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1311 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 64 L |
