2008 Ford Taurus vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 27 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, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 509 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Because 2008 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus will offer significantly more control. 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 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Taurus. (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Ford Taurus | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Taurus | Firebird |
Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3494 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 263 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 338 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1616 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 79 L |