2003 Chevrolet SSR vs. 2000 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet SSR is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,316 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet SSR (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2000 Pontiac Firebird. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet SSR should accelerate faster than 2000 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet SSR weights approximately 614 kg more than 2000 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Chevrolet SSR (449 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Pontiac Firebird. 2003 Chevrolet SSR has automatic transmission and 2000 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 2000 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Chevrolet SSR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet SSR | 2000 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | SSR | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5316 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 449 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 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 | 2154 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
