2003 Mitsubishi Pajero vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero. (118 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 332 kg more than 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero 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, 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero 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 (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero. (174 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Pontiac |
| Model | Pajero | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 79 L |
