2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2002 Acura CL
To start off, 2002 Acura CL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Firebird 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 50 more horse power than 2002 Acura CL. (260 HP @ 6900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2002 Acura CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Acura CL weights approximately 52 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2002 Acura CL, 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 (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura CL. (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 2002 Acura CL | |
| Make | Pontiac | Acura |
| Model | Firebird | CL |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5663 cc | 3210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 65 L |
