1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird 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 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 232 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf, 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 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Pontiac Firebird | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Golf |
Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3353 cc | 1388 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 146 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 257 Nm | 126 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
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 | 1296 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4210 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1590 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |