1999 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2011 Ford Taurus is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Taurus (263 HP) has 63 more horse power than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Taurus weights approximately 316 kg more than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus, 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, 2011 Ford Taurus (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. 2011 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1999 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1999 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Pontiac | Ford |
| Model | Firebird | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3785 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 263 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 72 L |
