1997 Dodge Sidewinder vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Dodge Sidewinder 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 8,000 cc (10 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Sidewinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Sidewinder (641 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 496 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Sidewinder should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 485 kg more than 1997 Dodge Sidewinder.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Dodge Sidewinder (719 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 395 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Dodge Sidewinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 1997 Dodge Sidewinder has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Dodge Sidewinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Sidewinder | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Sidewinder | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8000 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 641 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 719 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Top Speed | 273 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1057 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2750 mm |
