2001 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 5 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 278 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire, 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 (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (203 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. 1996 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2001 Pontiac Sunfire has manual transmission. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire 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:
| 2001 Pontiac Sunfire | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Sunfire | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1257 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2570 mm |
