2001 Pontiac Aztek vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Aztek is newer by 4 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 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Aztek. (185 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Aztek. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Aztek weights approximately 174 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2001 Pontiac Aztek, 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 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Aztek. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Aztek. 2001 Pontiac Aztek has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Aztek will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Aztek | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Aztek | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3400 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1714 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
