1988 Pontiac Fiero vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Fiero 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 57 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Fiero. (143 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Fiero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 366 kg more than 1988 Pontiac Fiero. 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) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Fiero. (220 Nm). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Fiero. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1988 Pontiac Fiero has manual transmission. 1988 Pontiac Fiero 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 Pontiac Fiero | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Fiero | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2826 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.7 mm | 76.2 mm |
| 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 | 1250 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2750 mm |
