1996 Ford Ka vs. 1990 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Ford Ka is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Firebird (235 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka.
Because 1990 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 1990 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Ka, 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, 1990 Pontiac Firebird (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 342 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ka | 1990 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Ka | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 76 L |
