2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2009 Ford Taurus. (264 HP @ 6251 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 784 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 1973 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 1973 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, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Taurus. (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Ford Taurus | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Taurus | Firebird |
Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3496 cc | 7462 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 264 HP | 296 HP |
Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 338 Nm | 563 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1750 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 | 76 L |