1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Renault Megane
To start off, 2011 Renault Megane 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2011 Renault Megane. (111 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2011 Renault Megane.
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 Renault Megane, 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 172 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Renault Megane. (152 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Pontiac | Renault |
| Model | Firebird | Megane |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 60 L |
