2002 Pontiac Solstice vs. 1998 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Solstice is newer by 4 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, 2002 Pontiac Solstice (240 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Solstice should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 210 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Solstice.
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 Pontiac Solstice (305 Nm) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm). This means 2002 Pontiac Solstice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Pontiac Solstice | 1998 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Solstice | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 3352 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1318 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3910 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2570 mm |
