2009 Ford Taurus vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 351 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 2001 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 2001 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 (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. 2009 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2001 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 2001 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 | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Taurus | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.4:1 |
| 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 | 1110 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 58 L |
