2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1998 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (147 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 578 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
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, 1998 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1998 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Lotus Elise | 1998 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
Model | Elise | Firebird |
Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3353 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 189 HP | 147 HP |
Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 181 Nm | 257 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3150 RPM |
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 | 950 kg | 1528 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4920 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2570 mm |