1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2006 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 25 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, 2006 Volkswagen Polo (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2006 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 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Polo. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Polo. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 2006 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 | 2006 Volkswagen Polo | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Polo |
Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 110 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 256 Nm | 170 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 149 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2470 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 45 L |