1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2013 Chevrolet Camaro
To start off, 2013 Chevrolet Camaro is newer by 32 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, 2013 Chevrolet Camaro (319 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Chevrolet Camaro should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Chevrolet Camaro weights approximately 155 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.
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, 2013 Chevrolet Camaro (377 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 Chevrolet Camaro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2013 Chevrolet Camaro | |
| Make | Pontiac | Chevrolet |
| Model | Firebird | Camaro |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 319 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 11.5 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1697 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4836 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1918 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1377 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 72 L |
