1988 Buick Electra vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 47 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 2001 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 2001 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra, 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Electra. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Electra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2570 mm |
