1985 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 21 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (190 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 138 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf, 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Pontiac Firebird | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Golf |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5013 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1474 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
