1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Infiniti M
To start off, 2012 Infiniti M 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, 2012 Infiniti M (360 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (305 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Infiniti M should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Infiniti M weights approximately 203 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. 2012 Infiniti M 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 Infiniti M will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Infiniti M | |
| Make | Pontiac | Infiniti |
| Model | Firebird | M |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5747 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1873 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4945 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2901 mm |
