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Pontiac Firebird IV 3.8i V6 (196 Hp) Automatic
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 Overview:
Pontiac Firebird (IV). With 302 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1656 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 201 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Pontiac Firebird IV was not tested by Euro NCAP. Safety standards of the era focused more on basic crashworthiness rather than advanced occupant protection scores.
3.8i V6 (196 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Solid V6 performance with the ease of an automatic, suitable for comfortable daily driving and highway cruising.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel economy for a V6 automatic, offering a balance of power and practicality.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Powerful V8 engine options (LT1 and LS1) offering true muscle car performance.
- • Distinctive and aggressive styling that stands out.
- • Rear-wheel drive platform provides engaging driving dynamics.
- • Relatively affordable on the used market for the performance offered.
- • Large aftermarket support for modifications and upgrades.
Cons:
- • Interior quality and design are dated and use many plastic materials.
- • Limited rear seat space and practicality.
- • Fuel economy can be poor, especially with V8 engines and aggressive driving.
- • Visibility can be challenging due to the low roofline and large C-pillars.
- • Some common issues with T-tops leaking and power window motors.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III: 1989 - 1992).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Pontiac |
| Model: | Firebird |
| Generation: | IV |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.8i V6 (196 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1995 |
| End of production: | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 196 Hp @ 5100 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 51.7 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 302 Nm @ 4200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | L36 More details about the engine L36 |
| Engine displacement: | 3791 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| 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: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 11.6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 96.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.4:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed: | 201 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.4 kg/Hp, 118.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.5 kg/Nm, 182.4 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1656 |
| Max. weight: | 2000 |
| Max load: | 344 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 954 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 365 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 59 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4964 mm mm [131mm more] |
| Width: | 1892 mm mm [54mm more] |
| Height: | 1300 mm mm [36mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2566 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1542 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1539 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 | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/60 R16 V |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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