1988 Ford Sierra vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 Ford Sierra 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 126 more horse power than 1988 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 606 kg more than 1988 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 337 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Sierra. (122 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Sierra. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Sierra has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Sierra 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 Ford Sierra | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Sierra | Firebird |
Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1597 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 74 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 122 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1616 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2750 mm |