1998 Buick LeSabre vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Buick LeSabre is newer by 2 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Buick LeSabre (202 HP) has 2 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 12 kg more than 1998 Buick LeSabre.
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, 1998 Buick LeSabre, 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, 1998 Buick LeSabre (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. 1998 Buick LeSabre 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. 1998 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Buick LeSabre | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Buick | Pontiac |
Model | LeSabre | Firebird |
Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 202 HP | 200 HP |
Torque | 312 Nm | 305 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1502 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4970 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 58 L |