1973 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 270 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire.
Because 1973 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1973 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Pontiac Firebird | 1997 Pontiac Sunfire | |
Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
Model | Firebird | Sunfire |
Year Released | 1973 | 1997 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4092 cc | 2200 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 237 Nm | 183 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1200 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2650 mm |