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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 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 1076 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 249 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. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham 21 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham 21 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:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Caterham | Pontiac |
| Model | 21 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1616 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 |
