1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, both 1997 Pontiac Firebird and 1997 Volkswagen Golf were released in the same year (1997). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 380 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 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 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Pontiac Firebird | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Golf |
Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3785 cc | 1389 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 198 HP | 73 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 305 Nm | 126 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 75.6 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1160 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4400 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |