2009 Fiat Bravo vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Fiat Bravo 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 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Bravo. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Bravo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 149 kg more than 2009 Fiat Bravo. 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 Fiat Bravo, 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Fiat Bravo. (206 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Fiat Bravo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Bravo | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | Bravo | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 58 L |
