2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2000 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Volkswagen Passat 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 150 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen Passat. (160 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 219 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 2000 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen Passat. (278 Nm). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen Passat. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2000 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2000 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 2000 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5663 cc | 2801 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1309 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
