2002 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Hyundai Sonata 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2002 Hyundai Sonata. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2002 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 117 kg more than 2002 Hyundai Sonata. 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, 2002 Hyundai Sonata, 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 (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Hyundai Sonata. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Hyundai Sonata | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Hyundai | Pontiac |
Model | Sonata | Firebird |
Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1997 cc | 5012 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 184 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 95 mm | 88.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 17.7:1 | 8.6:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1542 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 79 L |