2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 683 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 339 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Pontiac Firebird | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Rabbit |
Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5663 cc | 1715 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 310 HP | 72 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 461 Nm | 122 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 845 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |