1998 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Audi A8
To start off, 2012 Audi A8 is newer by 14 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 4,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi A8 (372 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (147 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A8 weights approximately 492 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 2012 Audi A8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi A8 will offer significantly more control. 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 Audi A8 (444 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. 2012 Audi A8 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. 2012 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Audi A8 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Audi |
| Model | Firebird | A8 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3353 cc | 4200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 147 HP | 372 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 444 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 2020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5268 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1948 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3122 mm |
