1970 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2013 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 43 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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. (173 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 184 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen GTI.
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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI, 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 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac Firebird | 2013 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | GTI |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6547 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 421 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.7 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1412 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1469 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
