1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1987 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 5,669 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (302 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1987 Volkswagen Golf. (55 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1987 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 750 kg more than 1987 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (453 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 357 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 1987 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5669 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 453 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
