2006 Kia Carens vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Kia Carens 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 Kia Carens (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Kia Carens should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Carens weights approximately 395 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 Kia Carens, 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 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Carens. (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Carens.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Carens | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Kia | Pontiac |
| Model | Carens | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 79 L |
