2000 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 313 kg more than 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Cavalier | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| 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 | 1215 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2570 mm |
