96 firebird v8 or 98 firebird v6

[Ruick]

I have about 5-5.5g to spend on a sporty car. The firebird has gotten my attention recently, it looks like a great car. With 75k miles and checking prices on kbb, ive found that both the 96 manual v8 and the 98 manual v6 cost roughly the same amount. The car is for my last year of hs, and for college. I won't be taking it to the drag strip or anything, but with all the rich kids in my town i would love a car that looks sporty and is still able to keep up with their new wrx's. Which car should i take, the 96 v8 obviously has alot more power but the 98 is the newer generation / more reliable / better looks? Like i said again, power is great but then again im not sure if i really need the v8, so should i stick with the newer firebird perhaps?

Also, im open to any other suggestions for a sporty car in the 5g's range.

[blakscorpion21]

i would never even consider buying a v6 firebird, or any american v6 for that matter. if you are gonna go with an american car do it right and get some v8 muscle. the v8 firebird(trans am) im a good car, its fast and looks good too. id just be careful with a car that fast. what are you looking for something that is just fast or something that handles good and is fun to drive? the trans am is fast and handles pretty good for its size, its prolly one of the fastest things you can get for 5k. but the trans am may be a bit too much for a young driver such as yourself. so if you dont get the v8 there are better choices out there than a v6.

some other good 5k alternatives.

integra gs-r
mr2
mk3 supra
300zx n/a
mustang gt(2 generations old)

like i said it all depends on what you are looking for.

[Ruick]

i'm really thinking about the 98-99 v6 now, its probably enough hp for me and insurance is alot more reasonable.. so would that be a good choice? It also in my opnion looks so much better then the 97 and under http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/1...7/009070-E.jpg . Another option my dad gave me is maybe a 99-01 grand prix gt, v6 200hp.. only bad part is that they are auto only i believe.

[BP2K2Max]

i'm with scorpion, i couldn't rock a v6 firebird. that car isn't gonna really hang with cars like the WRX anyway. the later gen birds are much better looking but i personally couldn't deal with the constant people asking if it's a v8, and having to say "no, it's only a 6". the price difference between a 96 V8 and a 98 V8 is only a couple grand. i'd keep saving and get a 98-99 trans am or formula if i were in your position. when you're spending thousands of dollars on a car you shouldn't settle for anything less than what you realy want

[ANORXIC'51]

Originally Posted by BP2K2Max

i'm with scorpion, i couldn't rock a v6 firebird. that car isn't gonna really hang with cars like the WRX anyway. the later gen birds are much better looking but i personally couldn't deal with the constant people asking if it's a v8, and having to say "no, it's only a 6". the price difference between a 96 V8 and a 98 V8 is only a couple grand. i'd keep saving and get a 98-99 trans am or formula if i were in your position. when you're spending thousands of dollars on a car you shouldn't settle for anything less than what you realy want

Couldn't have said it any better. I know racing isn't a priority for you, but I guarantee you will regret the decision every time you mash the throttle and realize the acceleration isn't there like the heratage of 'big brother'
My cars quick, but I went to Vegas just to ride in a friends converted 3.0 liter turbo 951....and ever since then, my little 2.5 just feels slow,lol.

Definitely, save for the car that you want...its going to be with you for the next 3 to 5 yrs...you might as well enjoy it.
Good luck with the decision.

On that note...only $56,000 more dollars til I can get my imported '98 TVR Tuscan 4.0.......sigh