2006 Ford Ranger vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Ford Ranger 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ranger. (108 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Ranger weights approximately 99 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Ranger. (257 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Ranger. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2006 Ford Ranger has manual transmission. 2006 Ford Ranger will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2006 Ford Ranger | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Ranger | Firebird |
Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2499 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 257 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 19.8:1 | 7.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1616 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 79 L |