1970 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 125 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat, 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 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (310 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac Firebird | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Passat |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5792 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2690 mm |
