1994 Fiat Punto vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Fiat Punto. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Fiat Punto would be higher. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1994 Fiat Punto. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1994 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 660 kg more than 1994 Fiat Punto. 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, 1994 Fiat Punto, 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 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Fiat Punto. (99 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Fiat Punto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Fiat Punto | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | Punto | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.9 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 76 L |
