1989 Avanti Avanti vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1989 Avanti Avanti is newer by 8 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, 1989 Avanti Avanti (202 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Avanti Avanti should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Avanti Avanti weights approximately 162 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1989 Avanti Avanti (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Avanti Avanti will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 1989 Avanti Avanti has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Avanti Avanti will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Avanti Avanti | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Avanti | Pontiac |
| Model | Avanti | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1704 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5540 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3400 mm | 2750 mm |
