2000 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1977 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. (221 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 81 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle 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, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. (320 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Volkswagen Beetle | 1977 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Pontiac |
| Model | Beetle | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.9 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |
