1986 Ford Orion vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Orion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Orion would be higher. At 3,352 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1986 Ford Orion. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 568 kg more than 1986 Ford Orion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Orion, 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Orion. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
1986 Ford Orion | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Orion | Firebird |
Year Released | 1986 | 1997 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1751 cc | 3352 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 146 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 110 Nm | 257 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3150 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1528 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4920 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2570 mm |