Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Pontiac Firebird IV 3.8 i V6 (203 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 Overview:
Pontiac Firebird (IV). With 312 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1515 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 200 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.
3.8 i V6 (203 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A capable V6 offering decent acceleration for daily driving, though not a true muscle car experience.
Fuel Economy
Reasonable fuel economy for its class, making it a practical choice for a sporty coupe.
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): | 3.8 i V6 (203 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1995 |
| End of production: | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 203 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 53.5 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 312 Nm @ 3600 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: | 11.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 96.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.4:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.4 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 200 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.5 kg/Hp, 134 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.9 kg/Nm, 205.9 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1515 |
| 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: | 1320 mm mm [56mm 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 | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| 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 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Behind the wheel of the Pontiac Firebird. How does it handle on the road?