1998 Ford Focus vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 13 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 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (135 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 227 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus.
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, 1998 Ford Focus, 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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (162 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Focus | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.6 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
