1996 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Fiat Barchetta 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 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 16 more horse power than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 482 kg more than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. 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 Fiat Barchetta, 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 (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Fiat Barchetta | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
Model | Barchetta | Firebird |
Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1747 cc | 5012 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 164 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 88.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1542 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2750 mm |