1990 Ford Sierra vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird

To start off, 1990 Ford Sierra 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1990 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 590 kg more than 1990 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 (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Sierra. (123 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Sierra. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1990 Ford Sierra has manual transmission. 1990 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:

1990 Ford Sierra 1981 Pontiac Firebird
Make Ford Pontiac
Model Sierra Firebird
Year Released 1990 1981
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1598 cc 3790 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 74 HP 110 HP
Engine RPM 4900 RPM 3800 RPM
Torque 123 Nm 256 Nm
Torque RPM 2900 RPM 1600 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1015 kg 1605 kg
Vehicle Length 4430 mm 5040 mm
Vehicle Width 1700 mm 1860 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1260 mm
Wheelbase Size 2620 mm 2750 mm


 

More Comparisons

Resources

Replacing Your Front Disc Brakes Made Simple: The Definitive DIY Guide
Replace the front disc brakes of your vehicle and save money on labour cost. Read this guide to learn how. [read more]
What to look for when buying a used/second hand car.
Diligence through every step of the buying process will help you find a reliable used car and avoid any unpleasant surprises. [read more]
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Perform an Oil Change on Your Car
One of the most effective ways of saving money on car maintenance is to change the oil yourself. [read more]