2008 Ford Fiesta vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Ford Fiesta 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 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 77 more horse power than 2008 Ford Fiesta. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 421 kg more than 2008 Ford Fiesta. 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, 2008 Ford Fiesta, 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 151 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Fiesta. (106 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Ford Fiesta | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Fiesta | Firebird |
Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1298 cc | 3353 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 69 HP | 146 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 106 Nm | 257 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 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 | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1528 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4970 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2570 mm |