2005 Ford Mustang vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Ford Mustang is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Mustang (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 31 kg more than 2005 Ford Mustang.
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 Mustang (434 Nm) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm). This means 2005 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Mustang | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mustang | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4603 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 76 L |
