1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 24 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, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 321 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2005 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 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2005 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 | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Golf |
Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1896 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 110 HP | 113 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 256 Nm | 170 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
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 | 1284 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4400 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1490 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |