2006 Ford Ranger vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Ford Ranger is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ranger. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 341 kg more than 2006 Ford Ranger. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Ranger (367 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ranger | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Ranger | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 5792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 367 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2750 mm |
