1985 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 2,838 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (135 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 203 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 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 (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Pontiac Firebird | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2838 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1159 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
