1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1990 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Toyota Starlet would be higher. 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 124 more horse power than 1990 Toyota Starlet. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1990 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 730 kg more than 1990 Toyota Starlet. 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, 1990 Toyota Starlet, 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 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Toyota Starlet. (101 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 1990 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
| Model | Firebird | Starlet |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3785 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2310 mm |
