2009 Buick Lucerne vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Buick Lucerne is newer by 12 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 3,880 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Buick Lucerne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Buick Lucerne (227 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Buick Lucerne weights approximately 77 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 2009 Buick Lucerne, 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, 2009 Buick Lucerne (321 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Buick Lucerne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 2009 Buick Lucerne has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Buick Lucerne will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Buick Lucerne | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Buick | Pontiac |
Model | Lucerne | Firebird |
Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3880 cc | 3785 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 227 HP | 198 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 321 Nm | 305 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1540 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4920 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |