2003 Chevrolet SSR vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet SSR 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 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet SSR. (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet SSR. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet SSR weights approximately 604 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
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 (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet SSR. (449 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet SSR.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet SSR | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | SSR | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5316 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 449 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2154 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
