2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 19 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, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 1002 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 21. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 21.
Compare all specifications:
2000 Caterham 21 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Caterham | Pontiac |
Model | 21 | Firebird |
Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1794 cc | 5012 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 230 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 88.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1542 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1860 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 79 L |