1990 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1990 De Tomaso Pantera is newer by 9 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 5,761 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 De Tomaso Pantera weights approximately 58 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, 1990 De Tomaso Pantera (452 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1990 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 De Tomaso Pantera | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Pontiac |
| Model | Pantera | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5761 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 452 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 265 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 102 L | 79 L |
