2008 Nissan 350Z vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 5,669 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (302 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 40 kg more than 2008 Nissan 350Z.
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 (453 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan 350Z. (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan 350Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan 350Z | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | 350Z | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 5669 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 453 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 54 L |
