2006 Pontiac GTO vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Pontiac GTO 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 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Pontiac GTO (400 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (310 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 140 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Pontiac GTO (543 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Pontiac GTO | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | GTO | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5965 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 543 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
