2005 Ford Focus vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Ford Focus is newer by 4 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 5,698 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 2005 Ford Focus. (136 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 243 kg more than 2005 Ford Focus. 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, 2005 Ford Focus, 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Focus. (171 Nm). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Focus | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Focus | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 5698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
