2006 Ford Escape vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Ford Escape is newer by 25 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2006 Ford Escape. (133 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Escape. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Escape weights approximately 173 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1981 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 1981 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Escape, 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Escape. (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Escape. 2006 Ford Escape has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Ford Escape will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2006 Ford Escape | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Escape | Firebird |
Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2259 cc | 5012 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 133 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 168 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87.4 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 88.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 12.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1542 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 79 L |