2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
To start off, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic is newer by 12 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 176 more horse power than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. (134 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 253 kg more than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. 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, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic, 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 260 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. (201 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 2013 Chevrolet Sonic | |
| Make | Pontiac | Chevrolet |
| Model | Firebird | Sonic |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5663 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4039 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1506 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2525 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 46 L |
