2002 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 21 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 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 285 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 418 kg more than 2002 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette (543 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
Model | Corvette | Firebird |
Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5970 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 395 HP | 110 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 543 Nm | 256 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101 mm | 96.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 149 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1187 kg | 1605 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 79 L |