1990 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 18 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 121 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 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, 2008 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 277 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1990 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Pontiac Firebird | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 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 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
