2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 11 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 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (325 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 143 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima. 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, 2012 Nissan Altima, 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 (475 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Pontiac | Nissan |
| Model | Firebird | Altima |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5665 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1541 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 76 L |
