1986 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Maxima is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Maxima (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Firebird. (140 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1986 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 1986 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Maxima, 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, 2012 Nissan Maxima (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Firebird. (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Pontiac | Nissan |
| Model | Firebird | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2827 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 76 L |
