1973 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle (115 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 240 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1973 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 1973 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Pontiac Firebird | 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Beetle |
Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4092 cc | 1899 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 237 Nm | 165 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1230 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4100 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1520 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2520 mm |