1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Hyundai Tucson
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Tucson 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 5,747 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 2012 Hyundai Tucson. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 Hyundai Tucson. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 165 kg more than 2012 Hyundai Tucson. 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 Hyundai Tucson, 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 (454 Nm) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Hyundai Tucson. (221 Nm). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Hyundai Tucson. 2012 Hyundai Tucson 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 Hyundai Tucson will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Hyundai Tucson | |
| Make | Pontiac | Hyundai |
| Model | Firebird | Tucson |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5747 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2639 mm |
