1998 Citroen AX vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Citroen AX is newer by 17 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1998 Citroen AX. (48 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen AX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 937 kg more than 1998 Citroen AX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Citroen AX, 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 (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen AX. (75 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen AX. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1998 Citroen AX has manual transmission. 1998 Citroen AX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen AX | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Citroen | Pontiac |
| Model | AX | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 954 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 75 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 668 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2750 mm |
