1996 Lancia Ypsilon vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Lancia Ypsilon 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 147 more horse power than 1996 Lancia Ypsilon. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1996 Lancia Ypsilon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 766 kg more than 1996 Lancia Ypsilon. 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 Lancia Ypsilon, 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 373 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lancia Ypsilon. (86 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lancia Ypsilon. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1996 Lancia Ypsilon has manual transmission. 1996 Lancia Ypsilon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lancia Ypsilon | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lancia | Pontiac |
| Model | Ypsilon | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2750 mm |
