1999 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 372 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Volkswagen Golf | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Pontiac |
| Model | Golf | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 5792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1213 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2750 mm |
