2008 Fiat Panda vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Fiat Panda is newer by 27 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2008 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 498 kg more than 2008 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Fiat Panda will offer significantly more control. 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 (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat Panda | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | Panda | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 79 L |
