1989 Dodge Shadow 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 Dodge Shadow. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Dodge Shadow would be higher. At 5,747 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1989 Dodge Shadow. (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1989 Dodge Shadow. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 382 kg more than 1989 Dodge Shadow. 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 Dodge Shadow, 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 (454 Nm) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Dodge Shadow. (278 Nm). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Dodge Shadow.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Dodge Shadow | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Shadow | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2213 cc | 5747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1288 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2810 mm |
