2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 588 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 144 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elise | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 79 L |
