1996 Plymouth Voyager vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Plymouth Voyager is newer by 15 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1996 Plymouth Voyager. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1996 Plymouth Voyager. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Plymouth Voyager weights approximately 89 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1996 Plymouth Voyager, 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Plymouth Voyager. (262 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Plymouth Voyager. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1996 Plymouth Voyager has manual transmission. 1996 Plymouth Voyager will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Plymouth Voyager | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Plymouth | Pontiac |
| Model | Voyager | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2750 mm |
