1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport is newer by 2 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 5,747 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport. (183 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport weights approximately 80 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport, 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 (454 Nm) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport. (286 Nm). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport. 1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport 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. 1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Trans Sport | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3350 cc | 5747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2810 mm |
