1993 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1993 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 12 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, 1993 Chevrolet Caprice (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 312 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, 1993 Chevrolet Caprice (332 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1993 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 1993 Chevrolet Caprice 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. 1993 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Chevrolet Caprice | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Caprice | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4312 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1854 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5490 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |
