2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 2012 Kia Soul. (164 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Soul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 322 kg more than 2012 Kia Soul. 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, 2012 Kia Soul, 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 261 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Soul. (200 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Soul. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2012 Kia Soul has manual transmission. 2012 Kia Soul will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Pontiac | Kia |
| Model | Firebird | Soul |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5663 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1228 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 48 L |
