1996 Nissan Patrol vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Nissan Patrol 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 31 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Patrol. (114 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Patrol. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 446 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
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 Nissan Patrol, 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 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Patrol. (225 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Patrol.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Nissan Patrol | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Patrol | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2824 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1988 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1260 mm |
