1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, both 1979 Pontiac Firebird and 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit were released in the same year (1979). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 130 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 775 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 357 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Pontiac Firebird | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1979 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1455 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 459 Nm | 102 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 73.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2410 mm |