2002 Mercury Sable vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Mercury Sable 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 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 18 kg more than 2002 Mercury Sable.
Because 1997 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 1997 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Sable, 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Sable. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Sable. 2002 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercury Sable | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Sable | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2570 mm |
