2005 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 24 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 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Chevrolet Corvette (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 208 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Chevrolet Corvette (540 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
2005 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
Model | Corvette | Firebird |
Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5965 cc | 5012 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 395 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 540 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 92.1 mm | 88.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1542 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 79 L |