2006 Fiat Punto vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Fiat Punto is newer by 5 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 101 more horse power than 2006 Fiat Punto. (99 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 380 kg more than 2006 Fiat Punto. 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, 2006 Fiat Punto, 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Fiat Punto. (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Fiat Punto. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2006 Fiat Punto has manual transmission. 2006 Fiat Punto 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:
| 2006 Fiat Punto | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | Punto | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2570 mm |
