2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 5,698 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 335 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5698 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1541 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
