2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 7 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 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 1035 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Caterham | Pontiac |
| Model | 7 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2570 mm |
