2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 10 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. (138 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 96 kg more than 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. 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, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 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 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. (200 Nm @ 1850 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Pontiac | Chevrolet |
| Model | Firebird | Cruze |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4597 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 48 L |
