1970 GAZ Volga vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 GAZ Volga. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 GAZ Volga would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1970 GAZ Volga. (110 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1970 GAZ Volga. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 316 kg more than 1970 GAZ Volga. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 GAZ Volga. (187 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 GAZ Volga. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1970 GAZ Volga has manual transmission. 1970 GAZ Volga will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 GAZ Volga | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | GAZ | Pontiac |
| Model | Volga | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 79 L |
