1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco is newer by 28 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, 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco (261 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 244 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco.
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, 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Scirocco |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4256 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1404 mm |
