1986 Ford Mustang vs. 1987 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1987 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,825 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Pontiac Firebird (133 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1986 Ford Mustang. (88 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1986 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, 1987 Pontiac Firebird (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1987 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Mustang | 1987 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mustang | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2825 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2580 mm |
