2006 Ford Mondeo vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Ford Mondeo is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2006 Ford Mondeo. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 32 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1997 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 1997 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Mondeo, 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, 2006 Ford Mondeo (280 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Mondeo | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mondeo | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2570 mm |
