2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1985 Ford Tempo
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1985 Ford Tempo. (100 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 296 kg more than 1985 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Tempo, 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 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Tempo. (170 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Tempo. 1985 Ford Tempo has automatic transmission and 2001 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Ford Tempo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 1985 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Pontiac | Ford |
| Model | Firebird | Tempo |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2540 mm |
