1988 Lexus LS vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lexus LS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lexus LS would be higher. At 3,969 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lexus LS (242 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lexus LS weights approximately 287 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Lexus LS (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 1988 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. 1988 Lexus LS has automatic transmission and 1996 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Lexus LS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lexus LS | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lexus | Pontiac |
| Model | LS | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3969 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2570 mm |
