1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. 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 75 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 155 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 2004 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Passat |
Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3785 cc | 1896 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 198 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 305 Nm | 310 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 79.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 19.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1385 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |