1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 735 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (106 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1970 Volkswagen 1600 has manual transmission. 1970 Volkswagen 1600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 149 km/hour | 133 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 40 L |
