1994 Ford Contour vs. 2000 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2000 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Ford Contour would be higher. At 3,784 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Pontiac Firebird (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1994 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1994 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 263 kg more than 1994 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 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 2000 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Ford Contour, 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, 2000 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Ford Contour | 2000 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Contour | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3784 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.9 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
