1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1997 Skoda Octavia
To start off, 1997 Skoda Octavia is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 77 more horse power than 1997 Skoda Octavia. (123 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1997 Skoda Octavia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 237 kg more than 1997 Skoda Octavia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Skoda Octavia, 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Skoda Octavia. (173 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Skoda Octavia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Firebird | 1997 Skoda Octavia | |
| Make | Pontiac | Skoda |
| Model | Firebird | Octavia |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 123 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1502 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
