2001 Ford Mustang vs. 1986 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Ford Mustang is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Mustang (260 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Firebird. (140 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2001 Ford Mustang (410 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Firebird. (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Mustang | 1986 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mustang | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 60 L |
