1999 Pontiac Montana vs. 1998 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Pontiac Montana is newer by 1 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 3,392 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Pontiac Montana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Pontiac Montana (185 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (147 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Pontiac Montana should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Pontiac Montana weights approximately 192 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 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, 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, 1999 Pontiac Montana (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 1999 Pontiac Montana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. 1999 Pontiac Montana 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. 1999 Pontiac Montana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Pontiac Montana | 1998 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Montana | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 147 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3150 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 | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2570 mm |
