2004 Ford Fusion vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Ford Fusion 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2004 Ford Fusion. (79 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Fusion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 395 kg more than 2004 Ford Fusion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Fusion, 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Fusion. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Fusion.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Fusion | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fusion | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 76 L |
