1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Dodge Ram
To start off, 2011 Dodge Ram is newer by 14 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Ram (390 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Ram weights approximately 890 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, 2011 Dodge Ram (551 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 2011 Dodge Ram 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. 2011 Dodge Ram will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Dodge Ram | |
Make | Pontiac | Dodge |
Model | Firebird | Ram |
Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
Body Type | Convertible | Pickup |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3353 cc | 5700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 146 HP | 390 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 257 Nm | 551 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 2418 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5817 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2017 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1877 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3569 mm |