1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 6 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 565 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1985 Volkswagen Passat, 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 (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Pontiac Firebird | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Passat |
Year Released | 1979 | 1985 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1595 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 125 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 332 Nm | 125 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1040 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2560 mm |