2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 12 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 1 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (256 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 230 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (322 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. 1996 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider 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:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Pontiac |
| Model | Spider | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3194 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 322 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2570 mm |
