2009 Kia Sportage vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Kia Sportage 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2009 Kia Sportage. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 20 kg more than 2009 Kia Sportage. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Kia Sportage 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 Kia Sportage 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Sportage. (251 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Sportage | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Kia | Pontiac |
| Model | Sportage | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2570 mm |
