1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP) has 87 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 703 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (95 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Pontiac Firebird | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Jetta |
Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3353 cc | 1272 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 146 HP | 59 HP |
Torque | 257 Nm | 95 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.2:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 825 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |