1998 Pontiac Trans Sport vs. 1999 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 55 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport. (145 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport weights approximately 155 kg more than 1999 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1999 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 1999 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport, 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, 1999 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport. (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1999 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport | 1999 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Trans Sport | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2258 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 76 L |
