2004 Nissan 350Z vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Nissan 350Z 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Nissan 350Z (287 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 83 kg more than 2004 Nissan 350Z.
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, 2004 Nissan 350Z (372 Nm) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm). This means 2004 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Nissan 350Z | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | 350Z | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 287 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1459 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 79 L |
