2006 Honda Pilot vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Honda Pilot is newer by 9 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 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Honda Pilot is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Pilot (244 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Pilot should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 10 kg more than 2006 Honda Pilot.
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, 2006 Honda Pilot, 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, 2006 Honda Pilot (325 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Pilot will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 2006 Honda Pilot has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Honda Pilot will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Pilot | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Pilot | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 3352 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 244 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1518 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
