2006 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Hyundai Sonata 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Hyundai Sonata (162 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 80 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.
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 Hyundai Sonata, 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 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Hyundai Sonata. (222 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Hyundai Sonata | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Hyundai | Pontiac |
| Model | Sonata | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 79 L |
