2009 Citroen C4 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird

To start off, 2009 Citroen C4 is newer by 28 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 27 more horse power than 2009 Citroen C4. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Citroen C4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 267 kg more than 2009 Citroen C4. 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, 2009 Citroen C4, 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 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Citroen C4. (160 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Citroen C4.

Compare all specifications:

2009 Citroen C4 1981 Pontiac Firebird
Make Citroen Pontiac
Model C4 Firebird
Year Released 2009 1981
Body Type Hatchback Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1598 cc 5012 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 118 HP 145 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 3800 RPM
Torque 160 Nm 324 Nm
Torque RPM 4250 RPM 2400 RPM
Engine Bore Size 77.1 mm 95 mm
Engine Stroke Size 85.8 mm 88.4 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 11.0:1 8.6:1
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1275 kg 1542 kg
Vehicle Length 4270 mm 5040 mm
Vehicle Width 1780 mm 1860 mm
Vehicle Height 1460 mm 1260 mm
Wheelbase Size 2610 mm 2750 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 60 L 79 L