2000 Pontiac Trans Am vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2000 Pontiac Trans Am is newer by 3 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2000 Pontiac Trans Am. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2000 Pontiac Trans Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 193 kg more than 2000 Pontiac Trans Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2000 Pontiac Trans Am (454 Nm) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm). This means 2000 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Pontiac Trans Am | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Trans Am | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1347 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 76 L |
