1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 32 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 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 100 kg more than 2013 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, 2013 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 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (220 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Jetta |
Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 110 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 256 Nm | 220 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 74 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1505 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4628 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1778 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1453 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2651 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 45 L |