2002 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1997 Acura RL
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Acura RL (205 HP) has 5 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Acura RL weights approximately 170 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Acura RL, 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, 2002 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Acura RL. (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Acura RL. 1997 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 2002 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 2002 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Pontiac Firebird | 1997 Acura RL | |
| Make | Pontiac | Acura |
| Model | Firebird | RL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3785 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 205 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 50 L |
