1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1985 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird 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) has 71 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Polo. (39 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 905 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1985 Volkswagen Polo, 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 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Polo. (75 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Polo. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1985 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1985 Volkswagen Polo 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 | 1985 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Polo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 39 HP |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 75 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 59 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 149 km/hour | 135 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 | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 40 L |
