2000 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 12 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 2,391 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Pontiac Firebird (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 53 kg more than 2000 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Pontiac Firebird. (203 Nm). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Pontiac Firebird. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 2000 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 2000 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2391 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1347 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
