1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 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 3,352 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 28 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2005 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Passat |
Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3352 cc | 1786 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 146 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 257 Nm | 225 Nm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1500 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |