1973 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 40 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 158 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 181 kg more than 2013 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, 2013 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 243 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Pontiac Firebird | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Passat |
Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 7462 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 296 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 563 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 105.4 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 106.9 mm | 95 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1569 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4868 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1835 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1487 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2803 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |