1995 Ford Ranger vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1995 Ford Ranger is newer by 14 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1995 Ford Ranger. (159 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1995 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 161 kg more than 1995 Ford Ranger. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Ford Ranger. (305 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Ranger | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Ranger | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4014 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1455 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2750 mm |
