1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1997 Dodge Intrepid
To start off, 1997 Dodge Intrepid is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1997 Dodge Intrepid. (200 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1997 Dodge Intrepid. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 30 kg more than 1997 Dodge Intrepid. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Intrepid, 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Intrepid. (257 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Intrepid.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Firebird | 1997 Dodge Intrepid | |
| Make | Pontiac | Dodge |
| Model | Firebird | Intrepid |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 3228 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 257 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5123 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2870 mm |
