2000 Acura NSX vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2000 Acura NSX is newer by 4 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Acura NSX (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (257 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 75 kg more than 2000 Acura NSX.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Acura NSX. (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Acura NSX. 1996 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2000 Acura NSX has manual transmission. 2000 Acura NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Acura NSX | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Acura | Pontiac |
| Model | NSX | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3178 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2570 mm |
