1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2011 Nissan Altima 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 3,352 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 86 kg more than 2011 Nissan Altima.
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, 2011 Nissan Altima, 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Nissan Altima | |
Make | Pontiac | Nissan |
Model | Firebird | Altima |
Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3352 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 146 HP | 175 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 257 Nm | 244 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1442 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4844 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1796 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1473 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2776 mm |