2001 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2005 Pontiac Vibe
To start off, 2005 Pontiac Vibe is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2005 Pontiac Vibe. (170 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2005 Pontiac Vibe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 488 kg more than 2005 Pontiac Vibe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Ford Thunderbird 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 2001 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Pontiac Vibe, 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, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Pontiac Vibe. (172 Nm). This means 2001 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Pontiac Vibe. 2001 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2005 Pontiac Vibe has manual transmission. 2005 Pontiac Vibe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Thunderbird | 2005 Pontiac Vibe | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Thunderbird | Vibe |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3933 cc | 1803 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1257 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 49 L |
