1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS 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 5,669 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (302 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 20 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (453 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus IS. (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus IS. 2012 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Lexus IS | |
Make | Pontiac | Lexus |
Model | Firebird | IS |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5669 cc | 3500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 302 HP | 306 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
Torque | 453 Nm | 375 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1600 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4585 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1801 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2731 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 65 L |