2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 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 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 80 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat, 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) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5663 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 62 L |
