2009 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Suburban 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 Chevrolet Suburban (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (257 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 665 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 Chevrolet Suburban 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 Chevrolet Suburban 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, 2009 Chevrolet Suburban (454 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Suburban | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Suburban | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5300 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5660 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1960 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2570 mm |
