1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 16 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 32 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. (168 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 292 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, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 168 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1502 kg | 1794 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2919 mm |
