2008 Fiat Grande Punto vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Fiat Grande Punto 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 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 2008 Fiat Grande Punto. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat Grande Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 500 kg more than 2008 Fiat Grande Punto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Fiat Grande 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat Grande Punto. (114 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat Grande Punto.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat Grande Punto | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | Grande Punto | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 76 L |
