2000 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen Passat. (151 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 231 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen Passat. (279 Nm). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Volkswagen Passat | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Pontiac |
| Model | Passat | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2801 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 151 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
