2006 Chevrolet Optra vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Optra is newer by 25 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 80 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Optra. (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Optra.
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, 2006 Chevrolet Optra, 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Optra. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Optra. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2006 Chevrolet Optra has manual transmission. 2006 Chevrolet Optra 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:
| 2006 Chevrolet Optra | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Optra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.6 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 79 L |
