1999 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (89 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 348 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (210 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Pontiac |
| Model | New Beetle | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1248 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
