2009 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 5,669 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (302 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe. (291 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe weights approximately 840 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (453 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe. (306 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe. 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 Chevrolet Tahoe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Tahoe | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 5669 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 453 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2420 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1960 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 54 L |
