1999 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 1999 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 80 more horse power than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 353 kg more than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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, 1999 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. (176 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1999 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 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. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Pontiac Firebird | 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Pontiac | Chevrolet |
| Model | Firebird | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2190 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 120 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1187 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 56 L |
