2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,921 cc (10 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (308 HP) has 108 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 959 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 445 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4921 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 308 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 750 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 2489 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3010 mm |
