1985 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette (230 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 67 kg more than 1985 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Chevrolet Corvette | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Corvette | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1438 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 58 L |
