1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1989 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 8 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 667 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 1989 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1989 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Jetta |
Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5012 cc | 1272 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 145 HP | 54 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 324 Nm | 96 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 75 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 72 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 875 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4320 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2480 mm |