2004 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 3 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 190 more horse power than 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 341 kg more than 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. 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, 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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 (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier has manual transmission. 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 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:
| 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Cavalier | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2188 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1187 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 54 L |
