1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1983 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird 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) has 161 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Polo. (39 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 925 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1983 Volkswagen Polo, 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 385 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Polo. (74 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Polo. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1983 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1983 Volkswagen Polo 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 | 1983 Volkswagen Polo | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Polo |
Year Released | 1979 | 1983 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1043 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 39 HP |
Torque | 459 Nm | 74 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 75 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 59 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 700 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 3660 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1590 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2340 mm |