2004 Ford Freestar vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Ford Freestar is newer by 3 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 4,195 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Freestar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Freestar (202 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Freestar should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Freestar weights approximately 399 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.
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, 2004 Ford Freestar, 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, 2004 Ford Freestar (357 Nm) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Freestar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. 2004 Ford Freestar 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. 2004 Ford Freestar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Freestar | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Freestar | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 3783 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 357 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1939 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 76 L |
