1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2013 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2013 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang (414 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 269 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Ford Mustang weights approximately 156 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 Ford Mustang (529 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2013 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Pontiac | Ford |
| Model | Firebird | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 529 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 11.0:1 |
| 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 | 1698 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2035 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 61 L |
