2008 Alpina B5 vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Alpina B5 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, 2008 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 236 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (257 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B5 weights approximately 275 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B5 | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Alpina | Pontiac |
| Model | B5 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
