2004 Ford Fiesta vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Ford Fiesta 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2004 Ford Fiesta. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 497 kg more than 2004 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Fiesta. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
2004 Ford Fiesta | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Fiesta | Firebird |
Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 99 HP | 110 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 147 Nm | 256 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 96.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 184 km/hour | 149 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1108 kg | 1605 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 79 L |