1975 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1975 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1975 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 71 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1975 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 1975 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New 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, 1975 Pontiac Firebird (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1975 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Pontiac Firebird | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1399 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2520 mm |
