1998 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1998 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Pontiac Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Pontiac Sunfire would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (147 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 26 kg more than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire, 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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Pontiac Sunfire. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Pontiac Sunfire. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire has automatic transmission and 1998 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1998 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Pontiac Firebird | 1995 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3353 cc | 2475 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 147 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2700 mm |
