1987 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1987 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 2,825 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Pontiac Firebird (133 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1987 Pontiac Firebird (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1987 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Pontiac Firebird | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2825 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.9 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 42 L |
