1998 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1986 Subaru XT
To start off, 1998 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Subaru XT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Subaru XT would be higher. At 3,352 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Subaru XT (147 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Subaru XT should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 250 kg more than 1986 Subaru XT.
Because 1998 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 1998 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Subaru XT, 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 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Subaru XT. (211 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Subaru XT.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Pontiac Firebird | 1986 Subaru XT | |
| Make | Pontiac | Subaru |
| Model | Firebird | XT |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3352 cc | 2672 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 147 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1278 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2470 mm |
