1969 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 7,029 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Ford Thunderbird (355 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
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 @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Ford Thunderbird. (300 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Ford Thunderbird. 1969 Ford Thunderbird 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. 1969 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Ford Thunderbird | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Thunderbird | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7029 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 91 L | 58 L |
