2001 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 1998 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,352 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 329 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire, 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, 1998 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire has automatic transmission and 1998 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1998 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Pontiac Sunfire | 1998 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
Model | Sunfire | Firebird |
Year Released | 2001 | 1998 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2198 cc | 3352 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 140 HP | 146 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 257 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3150 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1199 kg | 1528 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4920 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2570 mm |