1996 Ford Escort vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 11 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 2,838 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (135 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 232 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort. 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, 1996 Ford Escort, 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 (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (115 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Escort | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1270 mm |
