1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2008 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2008 Porsche Cayman is newer by 11 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 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Porsche Cayman (291 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 90 kg more than 2008 Porsche Cayman.
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, 2008 Porsche Cayman (340 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2008 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | Pontiac | Porsche |
| Model | Firebird | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3785 cc | 3386 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 64 L |
