1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2006 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 2006 Pontiac GTO is newer by 9 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 5,969 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Pontiac GTO (400 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (305 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 315 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Pontiac GTO (542 Nm) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (454 Nm). This means 2006 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2006 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | GTO |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5747 cc | 5969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2800 mm |
