1999 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 14 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (252 HP) has 52 more horse power than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 32 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2013 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (329 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Pontiac Firebird | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Golf |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 252 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
