1998 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1982 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1982 Pontiac Firebird. (106 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1982 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 284 kg more than 1982 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Pontiac Firebird. (196 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Corvette | 1982 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Corvette | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 60 L |
