1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 1 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 11 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 220 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156, 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 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Pontiac |
| Model | 156 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2491 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |
