2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier 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 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 77 more horse power than 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 349 kg more than 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. 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, 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. (184 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier has automatic transmission and 2001 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Pontiac | Chevrolet |
| Model | Firebird | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3783 cc | 2190 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 57 L |
