2005 Ford Five Hundred vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Ford Five Hundred 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Five Hundred (203 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Five Hundred should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 75 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 1981 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 1981 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Ford Five Hundred, 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, 2005 Ford Five Hundred (281 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Five Hundred will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
2005 Ford Five Hundred | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Five Hundred | Firebird |
Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2967 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 203 HP | 110 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 281 Nm | 256 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1605 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 79 L |