2003 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,807 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe (260 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe weights approximately 734 kg more than 1997 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 Tahoe (393 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Tahoe | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4807 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2262 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
