2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2009 Ford Taurus. (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 489 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 2009 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Taurus. (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM). This means 1979 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 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Taurus | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1596 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 76 L |
