2003 Ferrari 360 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Ferrari 360 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ferrari 360 (400 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 255 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ferrari 360 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 258 kg more than 2003 Ferrari 360.
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 Ferrari 360 (374 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Ferrari 360 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ferrari 360 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ferrari | Pontiac |
| Model | 360 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3586 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 374 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.2:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 79 L |
