1999 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1971 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 1999 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Bonneville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Bonneville would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 15 more horse power than 1971 Pontiac Bonneville. (185 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1971 Pontiac Bonneville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 450 kg more than 1999 Pontiac Firebird.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1971 Pontiac Bonneville (485 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. 1971 Pontiac Bonneville has automatic transmission and 1999 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1999 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Pontiac Firebird | 1971 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 185 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 485 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3210 mm |
