2008 Dodge Nitro vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Dodge Nitro is newer by 11 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 5,747 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2008 Dodge Nitro. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 21 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (454 Nm) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Nitro. (319 Nm). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Nitro | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Nitro | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 5747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2810 mm |
