1990 Ford Taurus vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1990 Ford Taurus is newer by 9 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1990 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 201 kg more than 1990 Ford Taurus. 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, 1990 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 (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Taurus. (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
1990 Ford Taurus | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Taurus | Firebird |
Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2513 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 110 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 176 Nm | 256 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 1605 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2750 mm |