1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (280 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 33 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 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 (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Passat |
Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6547 cc | 3600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 285 HP | 280 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 421 Nm | 349 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 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 | 1596 kg | 1563 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4769 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2712 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |