1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2001 Ford Ranger
To start off, 2001 Ford Ranger is newer by 20 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2001 Ford Ranger. (128 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Ranger weights approximately 178 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 2001 Ford Ranger is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Ford Ranger will offer significantly more control. 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) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Ranger. (203 Nm). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Ranger. 2001 Ford Ranger 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. 2001 Ford Ranger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2001 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | Pontiac | Ford |
| Model | Firebird | Ranger |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 3010 mm |
