1989 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1989 Ford Thunderbird 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 9 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 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Ford Thunderbird | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Thunderbird | Firebird |
Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 110 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 291 Nm | 256 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 96.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 1605 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 79 L |