1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 28 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 11 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 385 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2007 Volkswagen Golf, 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 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2007 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2007 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Golf |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 186 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
