2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 2 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 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (325 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 740 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 2003 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, 2003 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (475 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton. (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 2001 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5665 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1541 kg | 2281 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 90 L |
