2006 Acura RL vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Acura RL is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,669 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (302 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2006 Acura RL. (290 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Acura RL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 2 kg more than 2006 Acura RL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Acura RL will offer significantly more control. 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (453 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Acura RL. (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Acura RL. 2006 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Acura RL | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Acura | Pontiac |
| Model | RL | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 5669 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 453 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 54 L |
