1989 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 5,732 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chevrolet Suburban (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 772 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.
Because 1989 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Chevrolet Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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, 1989 Chevrolet Suburban (407 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 1989 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. 1989 Chevrolet Suburban 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. 1989 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chevrolet Suburban | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Suburban | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5732 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2300 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2570 mm |
