1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2006 Renault Megane
To start off, 2006 Renault Megane is newer by 10 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 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2006 Renault Megane. (81 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 274 kg more than 2006 Renault Megane. 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, 2006 Renault Megane, 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 (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Renault Megane. (185 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Firebird | 2006 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Pontiac | Renault |
| Model | Firebird | Megane |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3353 cc | 1461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 18.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1254 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2630 mm |
