1996 Fiat 126 vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (325 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 300 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 126. (25 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 883 kg more than 1996 Fiat 126. 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (475 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 426 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 126. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1996 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1996 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 126 | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | 126 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 704 cc | 5665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 25 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2570 mm |
