1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Volkswagen GTD
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen GTD is newer by 30 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, 2011 Volkswagen GTD (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen GTD should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 133 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen GTD.
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, 2011 Volkswagen GTD, 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, 2011 Volkswagen GTD (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen GTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Volkswagen GTD | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | GTD |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1409 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
