1987 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Pontiac Firebird 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 29 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1987 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 1987 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Pontiac Firebird. (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Pontiac Firebird | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Passat |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2825 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.9 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
