2004 Ford Taurus vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Ford Taurus is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (190 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2004 Ford Taurus. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Taurus weights approximately 111 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1985 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 1985 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Taurus, 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Taurus. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Taurus. 2004 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1985 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1985 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2004 Ford Taurus | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Taurus | Firebird |
Year Released | 2004 | 1985 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2967 cc | 5013 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 153 HP | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 251 Nm | 325 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1474 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1270 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 61 L |