2006 Ford Five Hundred vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Ford Five Hundred is newer by 10 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Five Hundred (203 HP) has 3 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 1354 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.
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, 2006 Ford Five Hundred, 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 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Five Hundred. (281 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Five Hundred. 2006 Ford Five Hundred 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. 2006 Ford Five Hundred will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Five Hundred | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Five Hundred | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2856 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 58 L |
