1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2010 Cadillac BLS
To start off, 2010 Cadillac BLS is newer by 13 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2010 Cadillac BLS. (179 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2010 Cadillac BLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Cadillac BLS weights approximately 95 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2010 Cadillac BLS, 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, 2010 Cadillac BLS (400 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Cadillac BLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2010 Cadillac BLS | |
| Make | Pontiac | Cadillac |
| Model | Firebird | BLS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3785 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 58 L |
