2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 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 3,783 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 95 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2006 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 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3783 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 81.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
