1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Aston Martin DBS
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin DBS is newer by 15 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 5,900 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin DBS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin DBS (510 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (305 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin DBS should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin DBS weights approximately 140 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, 2012 Aston Martin DBS (569 Nm) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (454 Nm). This means 2012 Aston Martin DBS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Aston Martin DBS | |
| Make | Pontiac | Aston Martin |
| Model | Firebird | DBS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5747 cc | 5900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 569 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4719 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2741 mm |
