2005 Ford GT vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Ford GT 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 5,408 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Ford GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford GT (551 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 406 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford GT should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford GT weights approximately 42 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 GT (678 Nm) has 354 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm). This means 2005 Ford GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford GT | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | GT | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5408 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 551 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 678 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1584 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 79 L |
