2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1988 Suzuki Alto
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Suzuki Alto. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Suzuki Alto would be higher. At 3,783 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Alto. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Alto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 910 kg more than 1988 Suzuki Alto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Alto, 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Alto. (59 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Alto.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 1988 Suzuki Alto | |
| Make | Pontiac | Suzuki |
| Model | Firebird | Alto |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3783 cc | 796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 59 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2180 mm |
