1981 Toyota Corona vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Toyota Corona is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corona. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 611 kg more than 1981 Toyota Corona. 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corona. (135 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Toyota Corona | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Toyota | Pontiac |
| Model | Corona | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 76 L |
