2002 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2012 Ford Mustang is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Mustang (412 HP) has 212 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Mustang weights approximately 182 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Ford Mustang (528 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Pontiac | Ford |
| Model | Firebird | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3785 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 412 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 528 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1687 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 61 L |
