1989 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Chevrolet Lumina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Chevrolet Lumina would be higher. At 5,669 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (302 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1989 Chevrolet Lumina. (138 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1989 Chevrolet Lumina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 165 kg more than 1989 Chevrolet Lumina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Chevrolet Lumina, 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (453 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Chevrolet Lumina. (237 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Chevrolet Lumina. 1989 Chevrolet Lumina has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Chevrolet Lumina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chevrolet Lumina | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Lumina | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3134 cc | 5669 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 453 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2570 mm |
