2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1997 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1997 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1997 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 598 kg more than 1997 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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 (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 357 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Suzuki Samurai. (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Suzuki Samurai. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1997 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 1997 Suzuki Samurai will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 1997 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Pontiac | Suzuki |
| Model | Firebird | Samurai |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5663 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2490 mm |
