2009 Ford Focus vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus 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 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2009 Ford Focus. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 74 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Ford Focus, 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 Focus (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Focus | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1454 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2570 mm |
