2006 Kia Sportage vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Kia Sportage 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2006 Kia Sportage. (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Sportage weights approximately 465 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 2006 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Kia Sportage 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Sportage. (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Sportage. 1996 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2006 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2006 Kia Sportage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Sportage | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Kia | Pontiac |
| Model | Sportage | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1975 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2570 mm |
