1997 Lexus LX vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Lexus LX 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, 1997 Lexus LX (232 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lexus LX should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lexus LX weights approximately 888 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Lexus LX 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 Lexus LX 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, 1997 Lexus LX (434 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Lexus LX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 1997 Lexus LX 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 Lexus LX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lexus LX | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lexus | Pontiac |
| Model | LX | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4664 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2430 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 79 L |
