1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Ford F-150
To start off, 2011 Ford F-150 is newer by 15 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, 2011 Ford F-150 (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (257 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford F-150 should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford F-150 weights approximately 752 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford F-150. (376 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford F-150.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Ford F-150 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Ford |
| Model | Firebird | F-150 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 257 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 376 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 2287 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5888 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3670 mm |
