2009 Acura RL vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Acura RL is newer by 13 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, 2009 Acura RL (296 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (257 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Acura RL weights approximately 317 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.
Because 2009 Acura RL 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, 2009 Acura RL 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 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Acura RL. (271 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Acura RL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Acura RL | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Acura | Pontiac |
| Model | RL | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3664 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1852 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2570 mm |
