1997 Citroen Saxo vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird

To start off, both 1997 Citroen Saxo 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 139 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Saxo. (59 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen Saxo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 735 kg more than 1997 Citroen Saxo. 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 Citroen Saxo, 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 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Citroen Saxo. (88 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Citroen Saxo.

Compare all specifications:

1997 Citroen Saxo 1997 Pontiac Firebird
Make Citroen Pontiac
Model Saxo Firebird
Year Released 1997 1997
Body Type Hatchback Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1123 cc 3785 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 59 HP 198 HP
Engine RPM 6200 RPM 5200 RPM
Torque 88 Nm 305 Nm
Torque RPM 3800 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 72 mm 96.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 69 mm 86.4 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.7:1 9.4:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 805 kg 1540 kg
Vehicle Length 3730 mm 4920 mm
Vehicle Width 1600 mm 1900 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1320 mm
Wheelbase Size 2390 mm 2570 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 45 L 76 L