2005 Nissan Sentra vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Nissan Sentra 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Sentra (124 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 528 kg more than 2005 Nissan Sentra.
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, 2005 Nissan Sentra, 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 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan Sentra. (175 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan Sentra. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2005 Nissan Sentra has manual transmission. 2005 Nissan Sentra 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:
| 2005 Nissan Sentra | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Sentra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1767 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 79 L |
