2008 GMC Acadia vs. 1998 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 GMC Acadia is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 GMC Acadia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 GMC Acadia (275 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (147 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 GMC Acadia should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 GMC Acadia weights approximately 613 kg more than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 GMC Acadia, 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, 2008 GMC Acadia (340 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2008 GMC Acadia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. 2008 GMC Acadia has automatic transmission and 1998 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1998 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 GMC Acadia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 GMC Acadia | 1998 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | GMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Acadia | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 147 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2141 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2570 mm |
