1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 17 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 127 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2013 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 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. 2013 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1996 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Pontiac Firebird | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Golf |
Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3353 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 146 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 257 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1401 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4201 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1779 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2578 mm |