1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2007 Pontiac Solstice
To start off, 2007 Pontiac Solstice is newer by 11 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, 2007 Pontiac Solstice (177 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Pontiac Solstice should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Pontiac Solstice. (225 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Pontiac Solstice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Firebird | 2007 Pontiac Solstice | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | Solstice |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3353 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2420 mm |
