2008 Ford Mustang vs. 1998 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Ford Mustang is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Mustang (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 418 kg more than 2008 Ford Mustang.
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, 2008 Ford Mustang (325 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Mustang | 1998 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mustang | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4000 cc | 3352 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
