1976 Volkswagen 1302 vs. 1977 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1977 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 840 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen 1302. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 337 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Volkswagen 1302 | 1977 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Pontiac |
| Model | 1302 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 756 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2750 mm |
