1992 Pontiac Sunbird vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Pontiac Sunbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Pontiac Sunbird would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Pontiac Sunbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1992 Pontiac Sunbird. (111 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1992 Pontiac Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 227 kg more than 1992 Pontiac Sunbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1992 Pontiac Sunbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 Golf (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Pontiac Sunbird. (252 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Pontiac Sunbird. 2008 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1992 Pontiac Sunbird has manual transmission. 1992 Pontiac Sunbird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Pontiac Sunbird | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sunbird | Golf |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1127 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
