1998 Buick Signia vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Buick Signia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Buick Signia would be higher. At 5,698 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1998 Buick Signia. (238 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Signia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Signia weights approximately 199 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 2001 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 2001 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Buick Signia, 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Buick Signia. (387 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Buick Signia. 1998 Buick Signia has automatic transmission and 2001 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Buick Signia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Signia | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Signia | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 5698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2570 mm |
