2006 Acura TL vs. 1989 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Acura TL is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,212 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Acura TL (258 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1989 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 1989 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Acura TL, 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, 2006 Acura TL (316 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Firebird. (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Acura TL | 1989 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Acura | Pontiac |
| Model | TL | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3212 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 258 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 60 L |
