2002 Chevrolet S-10 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet S-10 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 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 82 more horse power than 2002 Chevrolet S-10. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2002 Chevrolet S-10. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 146 kg more than 2002 Chevrolet S-10. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Chevrolet S-10 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet S-10 will offer significantly more control. 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 269 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Chevrolet S-10. (190 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Chevrolet S-10. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2002 Chevrolet S-10 has manual transmission. 2002 Chevrolet S-10 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:
| 2002 Chevrolet S-10 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | S-10 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2750 mm |
