1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1978 Volkswagen Citi
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Citi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Citi would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 136 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. (64 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 622 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Citi, 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. (100 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Citi.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Pontiac Firebird | 1978 Volkswagen Citi | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Citi |
Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1272 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 64 HP |
Torque | 305 Nm | 100 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1502 kg | 880 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 3820 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |