1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 31 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, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer (291 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 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, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer (406 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer has manual transmission. 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 | 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Firebird | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4496 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
