2009 Mazda Tribute vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Mazda Tribute 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, 2009 Mazda Tribute (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda Tribute should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda Tribute weights approximately 113 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 2009 Mazda Tribute is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mazda Tribute will offer significantly more control. 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 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda Tribute. (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda Tribute. 2009 Mazda Tribute 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 Mazda Tribute will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda Tribute | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | Tribute | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1653 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 76 L |
