1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, both 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 and 1997 Pontiac Firebird were released in the same year (1997). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 64 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (134 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 155 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156, 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 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Pontiac |
| Model | 156 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 58 L |
