2008 Ford Fiesta vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Ford Fiesta is newer by 7 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 3,783 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Fiesta (263 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 463 kg more than 2008 Ford Fiesta.
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, 2008 Ford Fiesta, 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 159 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Fiesta. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Fiesta. 2008 Ford Fiesta has automatic transmission and 2001 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Fiesta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Fiesta | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fiesta | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3783 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 76 L |
