1989 Holden Commodore 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 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Holden Commodore 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 134 more horse power than 1989 Holden Commodore. (168 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1989 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 270 kg more than 1989 Holden Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (453 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Holden Commodore. (292 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Holden Commodore | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Holden | Pontiac |
| Model | Commodore | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5669 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 453 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2570 mm |
