1988 Ford Taurus vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 Ford Taurus is newer by 7 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, 1988 Ford Taurus (220 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 42 kg more than 1988 Ford Taurus.
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, 1988 Ford Taurus, 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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Taurus. (271 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Taurus | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2985 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 79 L |
