1969 Dodge Challenger vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Dodge Challenger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Dodge Challenger would be higher. At 6,286 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Dodge Challenger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Dodge Challenger (200 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Dodge Challenger should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 16 kg more than 1969 Dodge Challenger.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1969 Dodge Challenger (422 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 1969 Dodge Challenger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Dodge Challenger | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Challenger | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6286 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1512 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2570 mm |
