1997 Chevrolet Express vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Express 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 4,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Express (217 HP) has 17 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 862 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. 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 Chevrolet Express (379 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. 1997 Chevrolet Express has automatic transmission and 1996 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Chevrolet Express will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Express | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Express | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4997 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 379 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2364 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2570 mm |
