1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta

To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 31 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 205 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.

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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
Make Pontiac Volkswagen
Model Firebird Jetta
Year Released 1981 2012
Body Type Coupe Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3790 cc 2500 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 5 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 110 HP 170 HP
Engine RPM 3800 RPM 5700 RPM
Torque 256 Nm 240 Nm
Torque RPM 1600 RPM 4250 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic 5-speed manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1605 kg 1400 kg
Vehicle Length 5040 mm 4644 mm
Vehicle Width 1860 mm 1778 mm
Vehicle Height 1260 mm 1482 mm
Wheelbase Size 2750 mm 2651 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 79 L 55 L


 

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