2002 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,747 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette (405 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (305 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 256 kg more than 2002 Chevrolet Corvette.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette (542 Nm) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (454 Nm). This means 2002 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet Corvette | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Corvette | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5664 cc | 5747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 405 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1414 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2810 mm |
