2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1975 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1975 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1975 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 504 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
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, 2009 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Pontiac Firebird. (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1975 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Explorer | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1975 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2750 mm |
