2006 Kia Rio vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Kia Rio 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 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2006 Kia Rio. (97 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 375 kg more than 2006 Kia Rio. 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 Kia Rio, 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 (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Rio. (132 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
2006 Kia Rio | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Kia | Pontiac |
Model | Rio | Firebird |
Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1493 cc | 3353 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 97 HP | 146 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 132 Nm | 257 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3150 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1153 kg | 1528 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4970 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2570 mm |