1998 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2005 Saturn ION
To start off, 2005 Saturn ION is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Pontiac Firebird (147 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2005 Saturn ION. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2005 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 278 kg more than 2005 Saturn ION. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Saturn ION, 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 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1998 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Pontiac Firebird | 2005 Saturn ION | |
Make | Pontiac | Saturn |
Model | Firebird | ION |
Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3353 cc | 2189 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 147 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 257 Nm | 197 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1250 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2630 mm |