2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1975 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus 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 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1975 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1975 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1975 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 475 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 1975 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 1975 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, 1975 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Taurus. (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM). This means 1975 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 | 1975 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Taurus | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 5792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 2000 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 | 1110 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2750 mm |
