1990 Pontiac Bonneville vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1990 Pontiac Bonneville 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 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 50 more horse power than 1990 Pontiac Bonneville. (150 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1990 Pontiac Bonneville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 116 kg more than 1990 Pontiac Bonneville. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Bonneville, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 @ 2000 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Pontiac Bonneville. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Pontiac Bonneville.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Pontiac Bonneville | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Bonneville | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 79 L |
