2005 Ford Mondeo vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Ford Mondeo is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2005 Ford Mondeo. (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 77 kg more than 2005 Ford Mondeo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Ford Mondeo, 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Mondeo. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Mondeo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Mondeo | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mondeo | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1458 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
