1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2012 Ford Mondeo is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2012 Ford Mondeo. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 1 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1997 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 1997 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mondeo, 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Mondeo. (208 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Mondeo. 2012 Ford Mondeo has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Mondeo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | Pontiac | Ford |
| Model | Firebird | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3785 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 208 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
