1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2000 Chevrolet Prizm
To start off, 2000 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. 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 23 more horse power than 2000 Chevrolet Prizm. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2000 Chevrolet Prizm. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 438 kg more than 2000 Chevrolet Prizm. 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, 2000 Chevrolet Prizm, 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 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Chevrolet Prizm. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Chevrolet Prizm. 2000 Chevrolet Prizm 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. 2000 Chevrolet Prizm will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2000 Chevrolet Prizm | |
Make | Pontiac | Chevrolet |
Model | Firebird | Prizm |
Year Released | 1997 | 2000 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3352 cc | 1794 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 146 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 257 Nm | 170 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1090 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4430 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2470 mm |