1987 Ferrari Testarossa vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1987 Ferrari Testarossa is newer by 6 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 4,943 cc (12 cylinders), 1987 Ferrari Testarossa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ferrari Testarossa (385 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ferrari Testarossa should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 75 kg more than 1987 Ferrari Testarossa.
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, 1987 Ferrari Testarossa (500 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1987 Ferrari Testarossa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1987 Ferrari Testarossa has manual transmission. 1987 Ferrari Testarossa 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:
| 1987 Ferrari Testarossa | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ferrari | Pontiac |
| Model | Testarossa | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4943 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 385 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2750 mm |
