2002 Dodge Stratus vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Dodge Stratus is newer by 1 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 165 more horse power than 2002 Dodge Stratus. (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2002 Dodge Stratus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 148 kg more than 2002 Dodge Stratus. 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, 2002 Dodge Stratus, 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 247 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Dodge Stratus. (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Dodge Stratus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Stratus | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Stratus | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 54 L |
