2009 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 1989 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe (186 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1989 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 1989 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe, 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 Hyundai Santa Fe (248 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Firebird. (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe | 1989 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Hyundai | Pontiac |
| Model | Santa Fe | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2655 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.7 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 60 L |
