1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2009 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2009 Toyota RAV4 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 3,545 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota RAV4 (269 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 153 kg more than 2009 Toyota RAV4.
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 Toyota RAV4, 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, 2009 Toyota RAV4 (334 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. 2009 Toyota RAV4 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 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Firebird | 2009 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
| Model | Firebird | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3353 cc | 3545 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2670 mm |
