2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2003 Saturn Vue

To start off, 2003 Saturn Vue is newer by 2 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 167 more horse power than 2003 Saturn Vue. (143 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2003 Saturn Vue. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 104 kg more than 2003 Saturn Vue. 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, 2003 Saturn Vue, 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 255 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Saturn Vue. (206 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Saturn Vue. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2003 Saturn Vue has manual transmission. 2003 Saturn Vue 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 2003 Saturn Vue
Make Pontiac Saturn
Model Firebird Vue
Year Released 2001 2003
Body Type Coupe SUV
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 5663 cc 2198 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 310 HP 143 HP
Engine RPM 5200 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 461 Nm 206 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 99 mm 86 mm
Engine Stroke Size 92 mm 94 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1550 kg 1446 kg
Vehicle Length 4930 mm 4610 mm
Vehicle Width 1900 mm 1820 mm
Vehicle Height 1310 mm 1700 mm
Wheelbase Size 2570 mm 2710 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 76 L 62 L