1985 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1996 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1996 Toyota Carina is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (190 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Carina. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 328 kg more than 1996 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Carina, 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Carina. (136 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Pontiac Firebird | 1996 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
| Model | Firebird | Carina |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5013 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1474 kg | 1146 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1420 mm |
