1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 Tiguan (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan weights approximately 15 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan will offer significantly more control. 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 (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan. (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan. 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Tiguan |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| 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 | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1557 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4427 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1687 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2604 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 64 L |
