2003 Dodge Ram vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Dodge Ram is newer by 22 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 8,277 cc (10 cylinders), 2003 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Dodge Ram (500 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 355 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Ram weights approximately 732 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Dodge Ram (732 Nm) has 408 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm). This means 2003 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Ram | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Ram | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8277 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 732 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.4 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100.6 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2274 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2750 mm |
