2008 Nissan 350Z vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (325 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2008 Nissan 350Z. (309 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan 350Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 188 kg more than 2001 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (475 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan 350Z. (358 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan 350Z. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan 350Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan 350Z | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | 350Z | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 5665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 309 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 358 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.6 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1716 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2570 mm |
