1970 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1975 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1975 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 765 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1970 Pontiac Firebird | 1975 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Beetle |
Year Released | 1970 | 1975 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5792 cc | 1285 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 43 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Torque | 366 Nm | 86 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2410 mm |