1999 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1988 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 1999 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Bonneville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Bonneville would be higher. Both 1999 Pontiac Firebird and 1988 Pontiac Bonneville are equipped with a 3,791 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 50 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Bonneville. (150 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Bonneville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 34 kg more than 1988 Pontiac Bonneville. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1988 Pontiac Bonneville, 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 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Bonneville. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Bonneville.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Pontiac Firebird | 1988 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 150 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1506 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 68 L |
