2003 Acura NSX vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Acura NSX is newer by 2 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura NSX (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 31 kg more than 2003 Acura NSX.
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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura NSX. (285 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura NSX. 2003 Acura NSX has automatic transmission and 2001 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Acura NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura NSX | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Acura | Pontiac |
| Model | NSX | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 58 L |
