1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight (202 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 2 kg more than 1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight.
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 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight, 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, 1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight (352 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight 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. 1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Pontiac |
| Model | Eighty-Eight | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 352 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2750 mm |
