2005 Ford Taurus vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Ford Taurus is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Taurus (201 HP) has 56 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 91 kg more than 2005 Ford Taurus.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Ford Taurus, 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Taurus. (250 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Taurus | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Taurus | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 145 HP |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
