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Pontiac Firebird III 3.8T (276 Hp)
Overall Rating
Pontiac Firebird:
The Pontiac Firebird is an American automobile built and produced by Pontiac from the 1967 to 2002 model years. Designed as a pony car to compete with the Ford Mustang, it was introduced on February 23, 1967, five months after GM's Chevrolet division's platform-sharing Camaro. This also coincided with the release of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, Ford's upscale, platform-sharing version of the Mustang. The name "Firebird" was also previously used by GM for the General Motors Firebird series of concept cars in the 1950s....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III Overview:
Pontiac Firebird (III). A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 0 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Pontiac Firebird III was produced before Euro NCAP testing began in 1997. Therefore, no official Euro NCAP safety rating is available for this generation. Safety standards of the 1980s were significantly different from modern requirements.
3.8T (276 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Exceptional performance for its era, delivering strong acceleration and a significant power boost over other Firebird engines. A true muscle car experience, if this engine was indeed available.
Fuel Economy
Surprisingly decent for its power output, thanks to turbocharging, but still a performance engine with higher fuel consumption than base models.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic 80s styling and pop culture appeal (KITT from Knight Rider)
- • Good handling for its era, especially Trans Am models
- • Strong V8 options (especially TPI) offer decent performance
- • Affordable entry into classic American muscle
- • Large aftermarket support for customization and upgrades
Cons:
- • Base engines are significantly underpowered
- • Interior quality and ergonomics are dated
- • Poor fuel economy, especially with V8 engines
- • Rust can be an issue in certain areas
- • Safety features are minimal by modern standards
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III: 1985 - 1992).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Pontiac |
| Model: | Firebird |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.8T (276 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1989 |
| End of production: | 1992 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 276 Hp Same horsepower |
| Engine Model/Code: | LD5 More details about the engine LD5 |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 12.3 l |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60.5 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4833 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1838 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1264 mm [Same height.] |
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