1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 3 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 56 more horse power than 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 372 kg more than 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 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, 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Pontiac |
| Model | Cutlass | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2473 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2750 mm |
