2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,456 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (301 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2009 Ford Taurus. (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 566 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus, 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Taurus. (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Taurus. 2009 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1972 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1972 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Ford Taurus | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Taurus | Firebird |
Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3496 cc | 7456 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 263 HP | 301 HP |
Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 338 Nm | 563 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1676 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4870 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 64 L |