1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Porsche Panamera
To start off, 2011 Porsche Panamera 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 Porsche Panamera (400 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (257 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Porsche Panamera should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Porsche Panamera weights approximately 265 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, 2011 Porsche Panamera (500 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Porsche Panamera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. 1996 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2011 Porsche Panamera has manual transmission. 2011 Porsche Panamera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Porsche Panamera | |
| Make | Pontiac | Porsche |
| Model | Firebird | Panamera |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 4800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 257 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4968 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2918 mm |
