1991 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2001 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,128 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Pontiac Firebird (140 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 450 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 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 1991 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1991 Pontiac Firebird (244 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. (129 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1991 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. 2001 Volkswagen Polo has automatic transmission and 1991 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1991 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Volkswagen Polo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Pontiac Firebird | 2001 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Polo |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3128 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
