2008 Ford Focus vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,698 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 325 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus, 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (160 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Focus | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.6 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1216 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2570 mm |
