2004 Fiat Panda vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Fiat Panda 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2004 Fiat Panda. (60 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Fiat Panda.
Because 2004 Fiat Panda 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, 2004 Fiat Panda 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Fiat Panda. (103 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Fiat Panda. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2004 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2004 Fiat Panda will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Fiat Panda | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | Panda | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 79 L |
