2003 Fiat Panda vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Fiat Panda 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 149 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Panda. (51 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 670 kg more than 2003 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2001 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Panda, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 217 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Panda. (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Panda. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2003 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2003 Fiat Panda will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Panda | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | Panda | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2570 mm |
