1970 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1989 Saab 9000
To start off, 1989 Saab 9000 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (173 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1989 Saab 9000. (150 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1989 Saab 9000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 146 kg more than 1989 Saab 9000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Saab 9000, 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, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Saab 9000. (212 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Saab 9000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac Firebird | 1989 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Saab |
| Model | Firebird | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6547 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 421 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2670 mm |
