2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1989 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 2009 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Firebird. (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 1989 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Taurus | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 60 L |
