1970 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 27 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 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 590 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 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 (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 408 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac Firebird | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Golf |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7462 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 563 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106.9 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
