1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2000 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2000 Ford Mustang is newer by 19 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, 2000 Ford Mustang (187 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 150 kg more than 2000 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ford Mustang. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ford Mustang. 2000 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2000 Ford Mustang | |
Make | Pontiac | Ford |
Model | Firebird | Mustang |
Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5012 cc | 3801 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 145 HP | 187 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 324 Nm | 298 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1392 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4660 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2580 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 45 L |