1986 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 5 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 55 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 412 kg more than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. 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, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am, 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 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Grand Am | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2471 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2750 mm |
