1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Dacia Sandero
To start off, 2012 Dacia Sandero 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 124 more horse power than 2012 Dacia Sandero. (74 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 Dacia Sandero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 394 kg more than 2012 Dacia Sandero. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Dacia Sandero, 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 193 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Dacia Sandero. (112 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Dacia Sandero.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Dacia Sandero | |
| Make | Pontiac | Dacia |
| Model | Firebird | Sandero |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3785 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1111 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 50 L |
