1998 Dodge Intrepid vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Dodge Intrepid 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 3,352 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Dodge Intrepid (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Intrepid should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Intrepid weights approximately 42 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.
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 Dodge Intrepid, 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, both vehicles can yield 257 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1998 Dodge Intrepid 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 Dodge Intrepid will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Intrepid | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Intrepid | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2735 cc | 3352 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2570 mm |
