2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1996 Renault Megane
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Renault Megane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Renault Megane would be higher. At 5,698 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1996 Renault Megane. (101 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 326 kg more than 1996 Renault Megane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Renault Megane, 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Megane. (201 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 1996 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Pontiac | Renault |
| Model | Firebird | Megane |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5698 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1541 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2680 mm |
