1999 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 71 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (129 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 56 kg more than 1999 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1999 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 1999 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (335 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Pontiac Firebird | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Passat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 129 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 62 L |
