1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2010 Cadillac STS
To start off, 2010 Cadillac STS is newer by 14 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Cadillac STS (320 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (257 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Cadillac STS weights approximately 277 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2010 Cadillac STS (427 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2010 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Firebird | 2010 Cadillac STS | |
| Make | Pontiac | Cadillac |
| Model | Firebird | STS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 257 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1812 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2957 mm |
