1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2000 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. (103 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 351 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2000 Volkswagen Golf, 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 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. (148 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2000 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2000 Volkswagen Golf 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 Golf | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Golf |
Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 110 HP | 103 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 256 Nm | 148 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86.9 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 149 km/hour | 192 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 | 1254 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4400 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |