2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1992 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 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 (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1992 Pontiac Firebird. (140 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1992 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 444 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 1992 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 1992 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (249 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Pontiac Firebird. (244 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Pontiac Firebird. 2009 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1992 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1992 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 | 1992 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Taurus | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 3128 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.5:1 |
| 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 | 966 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
