1971 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg (225 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 671 kg more than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg (550 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5792 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 2256 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2893 mm |
