1985 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2000 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle (221 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 159 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle 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, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle (320 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2000 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Pontiac Firebird | 2000 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2827 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.9 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 63 L |
