1973 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 34 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 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. (198 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 250 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2007 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, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 283 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Pontiac Firebird | 2007 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Passat |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7462 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 563 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.4 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106.9 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
