2000 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,784 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2000 Pontiac Firebird. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2000 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 490 kg more than 2000 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 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 2000 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton (315 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Pontiac Firebird | 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3784 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 55 L |
