2003 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Ford Thunderbird 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 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 284 kg more than 2001 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, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. 2003 Ford Thunderbird 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. 2003 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Ford Thunderbird | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Thunderbird | Firebird |
Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3934 cc | 3791 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 249 HP | 198 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 388 Nm | 305 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1461 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4970 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 58 L |