1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1976 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 590 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 1976 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 1976 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, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 437 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 1976 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Pontiac |
| Model | Golf | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2750 mm |
