2004 Buick Century vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Buick Century is newer by 23 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Buick Century (176 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 85 kg more than 2004 Buick Century.
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, 2004 Buick Century, 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, 2004 Buick Century (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2004 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
2004 Buick Century | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Buick | Pontiac |
Model | Century | Firebird |
Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3134 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 176 HP | 110 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 264 Nm | 256 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1605 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 79 L |