1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2010 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2010 Dodge Nitro 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 275 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, 2010 Dodge Nitro (318 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2010 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 2010 Dodge Nitro 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. 2010 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2010 Dodge Nitro | |
Make | Pontiac | Dodge |
Model | Firebird | Nitro |
Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3352 cc | 3700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 146 HP | 210 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 257 Nm | 318 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1803 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4544 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1857 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1775 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2764 mm |