1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1995 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Volkswagen Passat 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 @ 4600 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1995 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1995 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 318 kg more than 1995 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1995 Volkswagen Passat, 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 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Pontiac Firebird | 1995 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Passat |
Year Released | 1996 | 1995 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3353 cc | 1780 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 146 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 257 Nm | 140 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1210 kg |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1620 mm |