2005 Ford Expedition vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Ford Expedition is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Ford Expedition is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Expedition (238 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Expedition should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Expedition weights approximately 755 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Ford Expedition is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Ford Expedition will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Ford Expedition (397 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Expedition will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Expedition | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Expedition | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4604 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 397 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2360 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2750 mm |
