1983 Austin Maestro vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1983 Austin Maestro is newer by 2 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1983 Austin Maestro. (109 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1983 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 585 kg more than 1983 Austin Maestro. 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, 1983 Austin Maestro, 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 (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Austin Maestro. (178 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Austin Maestro. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1983 Austin Maestro has manual transmission. 1983 Austin Maestro 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:
1983 Austin Maestro | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Austin | Pontiac |
Model | Maestro | Firebird |
Year Released | 1983 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1992 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 109 HP | 110 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 178 Nm | 256 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 86.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1605 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2750 mm |