1995 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1995 Caterham Super 7 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1995 Caterham Super 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1995 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 988 kg more than 1995 Caterham Super 7. 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 (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham Super 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham Super 7 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Caterham | Pontiac |
| Model | Super 7 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 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 | 554 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 79 L |
