1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen T5. (104 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 728 kg more 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 T5, 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 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen T5. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen T5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | T5 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 159 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 2270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 80 L |
