2005 Ford Mustang vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Ford Mustang 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 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Mustang (202 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 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 (326 Nm) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm). This means 2005 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Mustang | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mustang | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4015 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1497 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2570 mm |
