1998 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2006 Toyota Avalon
To start off, 2006 Toyota Avalon is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,458 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Toyota Avalon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Toyota Avalon (268 HP) has 122 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Toyota Avalon should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 172 kg more than 2006 Toyota Avalon.
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, 2006 Toyota Avalon, 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, 2006 Toyota Avalon (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2006 Toyota Avalon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. 2006 Toyota Avalon 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. 2006 Toyota Avalon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Pontiac Firebird | 2006 Toyota Avalon | |
| Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
| Model | Firebird | Avalon |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3352 cc | 3458 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 268 HP |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2830 mm |
