2009 Buick Lucerne vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Buick Lucerne 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2009 Buick Lucerne. (227 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Buick Lucerne. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Buick Lucerne weights approximately 82 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2009 Buick Lucerne, 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 (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Buick Lucerne. (321 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Buick Lucerne.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Buick Lucerne | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Lucerne | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3879 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2570 mm |
