1998 Buick Regal vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Buick Regal 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Buick Regal (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 46 kg more than 1998 Buick Regal.
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 Buick Regal, 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, 1998 Buick Regal (312 Nm) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm). This means 1998 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 1998 Buick Regal 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. 1998 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Regal | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Regal | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
