2009 Ford F-350 vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Ford F-350 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 Ford F-350 (301 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (257 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford F-350 should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 569 kg more than 2009 Ford F-350.
Because 2009 Ford F-350 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 Ford F-350 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 Ford F-350 (495 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Ford F-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. 1996 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford F-350 has manual transmission. 2009 Ford F-350 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford F-350 | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | F-350 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5400 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 495 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5890 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2050 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3610 mm | 2570 mm |
