1999 Buick Regal vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Buick Regal is newer by 18 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, 1999 Buick Regal (245 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 45 kg more than 1999 Buick Regal.
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, 1999 Buick Regal, 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, 1999 Buick Regal (380 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1999 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Buick Regal | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Regal | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 245 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 79 L |
