1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 33 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 205 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
