2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2013 Kia Optima
To start off, 2013 Kia Optima 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 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (325 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2013 Kia Optima. (270 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2013 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Kia Optima weights approximately 10 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
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 Kia Optima, 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 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Kia Optima. (365 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 2013 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Pontiac | Kia |
| Model | Firebird | Optima |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5665 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1538 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4845 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2795 mm |
