1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2013 Ford Transit Connect
To start off, 2013 Ford Transit Connect 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2013 Ford Transit Connect. (134 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2013 Ford Transit Connect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 8 kg more than 2013 Ford Transit Connect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2013 Ford Transit Connect, 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 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Ford Transit Connect. (174 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Ford Transit Connect. 2013 Ford Transit Connect has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Ford Transit Connect will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2013 Ford Transit Connect | |
| Make | Pontiac | Ford |
| Model | Firebird | Transit Connect |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1534 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4587 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2113 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 2014 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2911 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 58 L |
