1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse 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 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 16 more horse power than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (182 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 200 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. 2012 Buick LaCrosse 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. 2012 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Pontiac | Buick |
| Model | Firebird | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3785 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 59 L |
