2004 Nissan 350Z vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Nissan 350Z 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 Nissan 350Z (287 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 45 kg more than 2004 Nissan 350Z.
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, 2004 Nissan 350Z (372 Nm) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm). This means 2004 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Nissan 350Z | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | 350Z | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3507 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 287 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 58 L |
