1995 Acura NSX vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1995 Acura NSX is newer by 14 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, 1995 Acura NSX (420 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 119 kg more than 1995 Acura NSX.
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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Acura NSX. (414 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Acura NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Acura NSX | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Acura | Pontiac |
| Model | NSX | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3178 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 414 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1497 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2750 mm |
