1990 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Firebird (235 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1990 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 1990 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1990 Pontiac Firebird (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1990 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Pontiac Firebird | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 233 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
