1985 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 19 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 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (190 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 143 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1985 Pontiac Firebird | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1985 | 2004 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5013 cc | 1899 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 190 HP | 113 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 325 Nm | 172 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 82.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1474 kg | 1331 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2470 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |