1987 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1987 Ford Thunderbird 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Thunderbird (193 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 606 kg more than 1987 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Thunderbird. (91 Nm). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Thunderbird | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Thunderbird | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.4 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 936 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 79 L |
