1999 Chevrolet Venture vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Chevrolet Venture 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 Chevrolet Venture (183 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Chevrolet Venture should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Chevrolet Venture weights approximately 140 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 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 Chevrolet Venture, 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 Chevrolet Venture (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1999 Chevrolet Venture will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1999 Chevrolet Venture | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
Model | Venture | Firebird |
Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3348 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 183 HP | 110 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 285 Nm | 256 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1605 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2750 mm |