1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1986 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Firebird. (140 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Firebird.
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 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Firebird. (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 1986 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Corvette | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 60 L |
