1996 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (100 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1971 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 1971 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 418 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Passat | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Pontiac |
| Model | Passat | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
