1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2011 Ford Mondeo is newer by 30 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, 2011 Ford Mondeo (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 90 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Ford Mondeo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford Mondeo. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford Mondeo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | Pontiac | Ford |
| Model | Firebird | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 70 L |
