2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 7 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 206 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 180 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 @ 4000 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (251 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5663 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
