1999 Ford Contour vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Ford Contour 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 3,352 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 286 kg more than 1999 Ford Contour. 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, 1999 Ford Contour, 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 (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Contour | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3352 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
