Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1981 Firebird.
The 1981 Pontiac Firebird anchors this reference overview, yet the model’s documented complaint history does not extend to this specific model year, instead covering 1990 through 2002. Across that later span, complaints ranged from a low of 10 in 1990 to a high of 95 in 1995. For researchers, this means the 1981 model sits outside the recorded reliability window, and its standing must be assessed without the benefit of that subsequent complaint metric.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 198 in |
| Overall width | 72.8 in |
| Overall height | 50.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 108.3 in |
| Curb weight | 3461 lb |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the Firebird of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Turbo Trans Am Coupe 4.9L Turbo V8 | 8.20 sec | 16.70 sec | 210 hp | RWD |
| 1982 | Trans Am Coupe 5.0L V8 | 10.60 sec | 17.50 sec | 165 hp | RWD |
| 1979 | Trans Am Coupe 6.6L V8 | 6.70 sec | 15.30 sec | 220 hp | RWD |
| 1983 | Trans Am Coupe 5.0L V8 | 8.50 sec | 16.44 sec | 165 hp | RWD |
| 1977 | Trans Am Coupe 6.6L V8 | 9.30 sec | 16.90 sec | 200 hp | RWD |
| 1976 | Trans Am 455 Coupe 7.5L V8 | 7.00 sec | 15.60 sec | 200 hp | RWD |
| 1987 | Formula Coupe 5.0L V8 | 6.30 sec | 14.90 sec | 190 hp | RWD |
| 1987 | Formula Coupe 5.0L V8 | 7.40 sec | 15.30 sec | 190 hp | RWD |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS… Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE SEAT BELT RETRACTORS IN THE REAR SEATING POSITIONS CONTAIN FIRST LOCK POSITIONS WHICH WILL NOT LOCK WHEN USED BY SMALLER PASSENGERS. THIS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR… Remedy: ALL OWNERS WILL BE SENT A PRE-PAID POSTAGE CARD THAT IS TO BE FILLED OUT AND SENT BACK. THE CARD WILL INDICATE WHETHER THE SEAT BELTS ARE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. IF DEALER INSPECTS…
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.