2009 Ford F-350 vs. 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport
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 Trans Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport would be higher. At 5,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford F-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford F-350 (300 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford F-350 should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport weights approximately 736 kg more than 2009 Ford F-350.
Because 2009 Ford F-350 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 2009 Ford F-350. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport, 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, 2009 Ford F-350 (495 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford F-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford F-350 | 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | F-350 | Trans Sport |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5398 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 495 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1702 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5890 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3610 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 115 L | 76 L |
