1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1997 Holden Nova
To start off, both 1997 Pontiac Firebird and 1997 Holden Nova were released in the same year (1997). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,352 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1997 Holden Nova. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1997 Holden Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 438 kg more than 1997 Holden Nova. 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 Holden Nova, 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 (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Holden Nova. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Holden Nova. 1997 Holden Nova has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Holden Nova will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 1997 Holden Nova | |
| Make | Pontiac | Holden |
| Model | Firebird | Nova |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3352 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2470 mm |
