1988 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2012 Kia Sorento is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Sorento (191 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1988 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 1988 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sorento, 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 Kia Sorento (245 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Firebird. (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Pontiac | Kia |
| Model | Firebird | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2827 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 191 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4671 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1709 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 68 L |
