1999 Pontiac Montana vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Pontiac Montana is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 15 more horse power than 1999 Pontiac Montana. (185 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1999 Pontiac Montana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Pontiac Montana weights approximately 218 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1996 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 1996 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Pontiac Montana, 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Pontiac Montana. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Pontiac Montana. 1999 Pontiac Montana has automatic transmission and 1996 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Pontiac Montana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Pontiac Montana | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Montana | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 58 L |
