2001 Citroen Xsara vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Citroen Xsara is newer by 20 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2001 Citroen Xsara. (106 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2001 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 368 kg more than 2001 Citroen Xsara. 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, 2001 Citroen Xsara, 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Citroen Xsara. (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Citroen Xsara | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Citroen | Pontiac |
| Model | Xsara | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1248 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 79 L |
