1998 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte 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 3,352 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Forte (156 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 287 kg more than 2012 Kia Forte.
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, 2012 Kia Forte, 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 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Forte. (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1998 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Forte. 2012 Kia Forte 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 Kia Forte will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Pontiac | Kia |
| Model | Firebird | Forte |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3352 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1241 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2649 mm |
