2008 Kia Rio vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Kia Rio 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 6 more horse power than 2008 Kia Rio. (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 478 kg more than 2008 Kia Rio. 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, 2008 Kia Rio, 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 (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Rio. (125 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Rio | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Kia | Pontiac |
| Model | Rio | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1399 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.1 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1064 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 79 L |
