2006 Ford Expedition vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Ford Expedition 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 5,408 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ford Expedition is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Expedition (300 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Expedition should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 396 kg more than 2006 Ford Expedition.
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, 2006 Ford Expedition (495 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Expedition will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Expedition | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Expedition | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5408 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 495 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 106 L | 79 L |
