1970 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1983 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 13 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (173 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 711 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1983 Volkswagen Golf, 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 (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (153 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac Firebird | 1983 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Golf |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6547 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 421 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 60 L |
