2003 Panoz AIV vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Panoz AIV is newer by 7 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 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Panoz AIV (301 HP) has 101 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 322 kg more than 2003 Panoz AIV.
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, 2003 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Panoz AIV | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Panoz | Pontiac |
| Model | AIV | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 58 L |
