2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (310 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 48 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang.
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, 2003 Ford Mustang (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mustang | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 54 L |
