2009 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 Tahoe (295 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (257 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe weights approximately 14 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe. (414 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Tahoe | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 414 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1960 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
