2005 Lexus IS vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Lexus IS is newer by 9 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 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lexus IS (201 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lexus IS weights approximately 12 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Lexus IS (310 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2005 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. 2005 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1996 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2005 Lexus IS | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Lexus | Pontiac |
Model | IS | Firebird |
Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2999 cc | 3353 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 201 HP | 146 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 310 Nm | 257 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3150 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1528 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4970 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2570 mm |