1966 Ford Mustang vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 6,385 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Ford Mustang (320 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 361 kg more than 1966 Ford Mustang.
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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford Mustang. (85 Nm). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford Mustang. 1966 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 2001 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1966 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Mustang | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mustang | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6385 cc | 3783 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.9 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1179 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 76 L |
