1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 15 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 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 231 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. 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, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu, 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 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Chevrolet Malibu | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
Model | Malibu | Firebird |
Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2392 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1616 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2750 mm |