1970 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 35 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, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 249 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2005 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 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac Firebird | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Golf |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5792 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2520 mm |
