1997 Daihatsu Rocky vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Daihatsu Rocky is newer by 16 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 54 more horse power than 1997 Daihatsu Rocky. (91 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1997 Daihatsu Rocky. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 162 kg more than 1997 Daihatsu Rocky. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Daihatsu Rocky is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Daihatsu Rocky will offer significantly more control. 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 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Daihatsu Rocky. (182 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Daihatsu Rocky.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Daihatsu Rocky | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Pontiac |
| Model | Rocky | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2237 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2750 mm |
