1997 Citroen Xsara vs. 1999 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Citroen Xsara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Citroen Xsara would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 145 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (55 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 441 kg more than 1997 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Citroen Xsara, 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, 1999 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Citroen Xsara. 1997 Citroen Xsara has automatic transmission and 1999 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1999 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Citroen Xsara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen Xsara | 1999 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Citroen | Pontiac |
| Model | Xsara | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1761 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1099 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 76 L |
