1988 Ford Tempo vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 Ford Tempo is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (190 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1988 Ford Tempo. (96 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 369 kg more than 1988 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Ford Tempo, 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Tempo. (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Tempo | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Tempo | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2570 mm |
