2008 Kia Sportage vs. 2002 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Kia Sportage is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sportage weights approximately 343 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 2002 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 2002 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sportage, 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, 2002 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm) has 277 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Sportage. (184 Nm). This means 2002 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Sportage. 2002 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2008 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2008 Kia Sportage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Sportage | 2002 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Kia | Pontiac |
| Model | Sportage | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1199 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2570 mm |
