1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1978 Volkswagen Citi
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Citi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Citi 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 16 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 657 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Citi, 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. (150 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Citi has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Citi 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 | 1978 Volkswagen Citi | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Citi |
Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 110 HP | 94 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 256 Nm | 150 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 948 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3820 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2410 mm |