1972 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2009 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,598 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (185 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. (149 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Polo.
Because 1972 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 1972 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. (220 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. 1972 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Pontiac Firebird | 2009 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Polo |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6598 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.9:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 45 L |
