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Pontiac Firebird IV Cabrio 5.7 i V8 (309 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)
IV Cabrio Overview:
Pontiac Firebird (IV Cabrio). With 454 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1635 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 6 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
5.7 i V8 (309 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Excellent performance with strong acceleration (6 sec 0-100 km/h), offering a thrilling driving experience.
Fuel Economy
High fuel consumption, expected for a high-output V8, but delivers impressive power.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Powerful V8 engine options delivering true muscle car performance.
- • Distinctive and aggressive styling, especially the Trans Am models.
- • Convertible option offers an exciting open-air driving experience.
- • Good performance for the price, especially in the used market.
- • Rear-wheel drive layout provides engaging driving dynamics.
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption, particularly with the V8 engines.
- • Interior quality and design can feel dated compared to rivals.
- • Limited rear seat space, typical for a 2+2 convertible.
- • Handling can be somewhat floaty on base models without performance suspension.
- • Some reliability concerns with older models, requiring diligent maintenance.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III: 1989 - 1992).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Pontiac |
| Model: | Firebird |
| Generation: | IV Cabrio |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.7 i V8 (309 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1995 |
| End of production: | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 309 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 54.5 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 454 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 5665 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 14.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 99 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 92 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.3 kg/Hp, 189 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.6 kg/Nm, 277.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1635 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 955 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 365 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 59 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4920 mm mm [87mm more] |
| Width: | 1890 mm mm [52mm more] |
| Height: | 1340 mm mm [76mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2570 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1540 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1540 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/55 R16 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Behind the wheel of the Pontiac Firebird. How does it handle on the road?