1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2000 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 19 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, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle (167 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 278 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle.
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, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. (220 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2000 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2000 Volkswagen Beetle 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 | 2000 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2324 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 149 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1327 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
