1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2009 Pontiac G6
To start off, 2009 Pontiac G6 is newer by 13 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 38 more horse power than 2009 Pontiac G6. (162 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Pontiac G6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Pontiac G6 weights approximately 483 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2009 Pontiac G6, 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 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Pontiac G6. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Pontiac G6. 2009 Pontiac G6 has automatic transmission and 1996 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Pontiac G6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Firebird | 2009 Pontiac G6 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | G6 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2384 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 162 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 97.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1502 kg | 1985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 61 L |
