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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 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 (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
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 | 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 | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4628 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1778 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1453 mm |