1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 650 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 349 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1970 Volkswagen 1600 has manual transmission. 1970 Volkswagen 1600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Firebird | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2520 mm |
