1988 Citroen BX vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 Citroen BX is newer by 7 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1988 Citroen BX. (62 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 Citroen BX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 722 kg more than 1988 Citroen BX. 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, 1988 Citroen BX, 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Citroen BX. (109 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Citroen BX. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1988 Citroen BX has manual transmission. 1988 Citroen BX 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:
| 1988 Citroen BX | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Citroen | Pontiac |
| Model | BX | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 894 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 79 L |
